title: Sodium content of popular commercially processed and restaurant foods in the United States.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to provide baseline estimates of sodium levels in 125 popular, sodium-contributing, commercially processed and restaurant foods in the U.S., to assess future changes as manufacturers reformulate foods.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2010-2013, we obtained ~ 5200 sample units from up to 12 locations and analyzed 1654 composites for sodium and related nutrients (potassium, total dietary fiber, total and saturated fat, and total sugar), as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-led sodium-monitoring program. We determined sodium content as mg/100 g, mg/serving, and mg/kcal and compared them against U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) sodium limits for "low" and "healthy" claims and to the optimal sodium level of < 1.1 mg/kcal, extrapolating from the Healthy Eating Index-2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results from this study represent the baseline nutrient values to use in assessing future changes as foods are reformulated for sodium reduction. Sodium levels in over half (69 of 125) of the foods, including all main dishes and most Sentinel Foods from fast-food outlets or restaurants (29 of 33 foods), exceeded the FDA sodium limit for using the claim "healthy". Only 13 of 125 foods had sodium values below 1.1 mg/kcal. We observed a wide range of sodium content among similar food types and brands.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Current sodium levels in commercially processed and restaurant foods in the U.S. are high and variable. Targeted benchmarks and increased awareness of high sodium content and variability in foods would support reduction of sodium intakes in the U.S.
authors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Bldg 005, Room 205 BARC-WEST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
authors: Jaspreet K C
authors: JK
authors: Ahuja
authors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Bldg 005, Room 205 BARC-WEST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
authors: Shirley
authors: S
authors: Wasswa-Kintu
authors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Bldg 005, Room 205 BARC-WEST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
authors: David B
authors: DB
authors: Haytowitz
authors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Bldg 005, Room 205 BARC-WEST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
authors: Marlon
authors: M
authors: Daniel
authors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Bldg 005, Room 205 BARC-WEST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
authors: Robin
authors: R
authors: Thomas
authors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Bldg 005, Room 205 BARC-WEST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
authors: Bethany
authors: B
authors: Showell
authors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Bldg 005, Room 205 BARC-WEST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
authors: Melissa
authors: M
authors: Nickle
authors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Bldg 005, Room 205 BARC-WEST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
authors: Janet M
authors: JM
authors: Roseland
authors: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop F-72, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
authors: Janelle
authors: J
authors: Gunn
authors: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop F-72, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
authors: Mary
authors: M
authors: Cogswell
authors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Bldg 005, Room 205 BARC-WEST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
authors: Pamela R
authors: PR
authors: Pehrsson
keywords: Food composition; Hypertension; Monitoring; Sodium; Sodium reduction; Variability