Phase II sodium reduction targets comment submitted to FDA

In January 2025, CSPI submitted this comment to FDA urging the agency to hold industry accountable for reducing sodium across the food supply. We specifically provided suggestions for improvement on FDA's draft guidance for industry on Phase II voluntary sodium reduction targets for commercially processed, packaged, and prepared foods. We asserted that FDA action to spur industry-side sodium reduction is crucial for Americans' health and that we generally supported the agency's efforts. We also noted that contrary to FDA's preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of its Phase I sodium targets, a CSPI reanalysis did not provide evidence of encouraging industry progress. Lessons from other sodium reduction initiatives show that FDA must be more aggressive with its sodium reduction efforts. Suggested actions included stricter targets, rigorous evaluation, and the consideration of mandatory targets if industry fails to meet voluntary targets.