Understanding 'Low Salt' Labels: Global Regulations
Navigating food labels to identify healthy options can be difficult because of the various claims regarding salt and sodium. The term 'low salt' is a legally defined term that indicates a product meets strict regulatory standards. However, these standards vary significantly between countries. The United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia have their own criteria that govern the use of 'low salt' or 'low sodium' descriptors.
U.S. FDA Regulations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary governing body for food labeling in the United States. Its regulations define key terms related to sodium content that consumers should be aware of when interpreting nutrition labels. A product can be labeled "Low Sodium" if it contains 140 milligrams (mg) or less of sodium per serving. This differs from a "Very Low Sodium" claim, which requires the product to have 35 mg or less per serving, and a "Sodium Free" claim, which requires less than 5 mg per serving.
United Kingdom Standards
In the UK, the standards for low salt are defined in grams per 100 grams (g/100g) of the product. A food product is considered "Low Salt" if it contains 0.3g of salt or less per 100g. Consumers should note that labels might list sodium instead of salt. In such cases, the sodium amount should be multiplied by 2.5 to get the equivalent salt content. A product is deemed "High in Salt" if it contains more than 1.5g of salt per 100g. Many UK labels also use a 'traffic light' system, where green indicates a low salt content, amber is medium, and red is high, offering a quick visual guide for shoppers.
European Union Requirements
The European Union also has stringent regulations for claims related to salt and sodium. For a product to be labeled "low sodium/salt," it must contain no more than 0.12g of sodium, or the equivalent value for salt, per 100g or 100ml. This is a slightly different calculation from the UK standard and highlights the importance of checking the precise regulation for the country of purchase. The EU also has rules for "very low sodium/salt" (no more than 0.04g sodium per 100g or 100ml) and "sodium-free/salt-free" (no more than 0.005g sodium per 100g) claims.
Comparison Table: Regional Standards for Sodium Claims
To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of low-salt and related claims across different regions:
| Claim Category | United States (FDA) | United Kingdom (NHS) | European Union | Australia (FSANZ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Salt/Sodium | 140 mg sodium per serving | 0.3 g salt or less per 100g | 0.12 g sodium or less per 100g/ml | 120 mg sodium or less per 100g |
| Very Low Sodium | 35 mg sodium or less per serving | Not specified | 0.04 g sodium or less per 100g/ml | Not specified |
| Salt/Sodium-Free | Less than 5 mg sodium per serving | Not specified | 0.005 g sodium or less per 100g | Not specified |
| Reduced Sodium | At least 25% less sodium than regular product | At least 30% less salt than standard product | At least 25% less sodium than a similar product | At least 25% less sodium than reference food |
| No Salt Added | No salt is added during processing | No extra salt has been added | No salt added during processing | No added sodium compound or salt |
How to Verify a Low Salt Label
For consumers, verifying a low-salt claim involves more than just reading the front-of-package marketing. The essential steps include:
- Checking the Nutrition Facts Panel: This panel, usually on the side or back of packaging, lists the precise sodium content per serving and per 100g or 100ml.
- Understanding Serving Size: The amount of sodium is tied to the serving size. If more than one serving is consumed, sodium intake increases proportionally.
- Reading the Ingredients List: Sodium-containing ingredients may not always be listed as "salt." Look for other names like monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium benzoate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium nitrate.
Conclusion
Achieving a low salt label requires food manufacturers to meet specific, legally-defined sodium thresholds, which vary by country. Consumers can use these labels, along with careful review of the Nutrition Facts panel, to make informed choices that support a healthier diet. The distinction between claims like "low salt," "very low sodium," and "no salt added" is critical for managing dietary sodium intake. By understanding the regulations and checking nutritional information, shoppers can confidently select products aligned with health goals, which helps reduce excessive sodium consumption.
Sources
- USDA Food Labeling Guide - [https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-labeling-guide]
- NHS UK - How to read food labels - [https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/how-to-read-food-labels/]
- World Health Organization - Sodium Reduction - [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sodium-reduction]
- Heart Foundation Australia - Reading Food Labels - [https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/healthy-eating/reading-food-labels]
- EU Dietary Salt/Sodium Regulation - https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway/dietary-saltsodium_en
