A report released today by an Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee urged the Food and Drug Administration to set regulatory limits on sodium used in food. The Committee on Strategies to Reduce Sodium Intake said limits on sodium should be implemented gradually, in steps, to reduce the amount consumed by Americans to the level recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That level currently is 2,400 milligrams a day.

According to the report, these limits should apply to a variety packaged foods and foodservice products, including cheese. The report also called for the food industry to continue its voluntary efforts to reduce sodium in foods and for other government agencies and public health organizations to support the reduction of sodium in foods.

IDFA staff currently is reviewing the 480-page report to analyze its full impact on dairy foods. A draft of the IOM report is available here.

Members with questions may contact Michelle Mattto, IDFA assistant director of nutrition and labeling, at mmatto@idfa.org.