The New York City Health Department’s sodium warning requirement goes into effect tomorrow Tuesday, December 1. Food service establishments in New York City that are part of chains with 15 or more locations nationwide will be required to post icons next to items with 2,300 milligrams or more of sodium – the total recommended daily limit.
This will include combo items, such as an order-by-number meal that might include a soup and a sandwich or a burger and french fries.
The rule also requires chain food service establishments to post a warning statement where customers place their orders.
The statement explains that items with the icon have more than the recommended daily limit of sodium and that high sodium intake can increase blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke.
Leading scientific bodies, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recommend that Americans reduce their daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg of sodium.
New York is the first city in the nation to require chain restaurants to post warning labels next to menu items that contain high levels of sodium. Chains with 15 or more locations have 90 days to comply with the new rule before the possibility of receiving a fine.
The proposal was passed unanimously on September 9, 2015 by the New York City Board of Health. More information can be found at the agency’s website, nyc.gov/health.
