Mandates labeling of foods containing sodium and sodium compounds

* Size of serving

* Total amount of servings in the package

* The milligrams of sodium in each serving

* The words "high in sodium" or "high salted" if a serving is greater than 400 milligrams

* The words "In some people, a high salt (sodium) diet may contribute to high blood pressure" along with the words "high in sodium" or "highly salted" if a serving is greater than 800 milligrams

This legislation would exempt from the aforementioned requirements the following:

* Fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh unprocessed meat, poultry and fish

* Milk and eggs

* Food sold for consumption on the premises

* Identical items within a multi-item package that is properly labeled with the sodium contents

This legislation intends to alert consumers to the sodium content of foods.

Justification

It is estimated that hypertension (high blood pressure) affects over 25% of the United States population and 40% of older people. Excess dietary sodium is an adverse factor in most people prone to hypertension because excess sodium upsets the balance of sodium and potassium in the bloodstream needed for a smooth flow of bodily fluids. The whole system of modern food processing contributes to the high intake of sodium because, in the processing, potassium is lost and sodium is added (often unnecessarily). Excess sodium has also been linked to heart disease, stomach cancer, stroke, and migraines.

It is impossible for people afflicted by high blood pressure or healthy adults who simply want to curtail their sodium intake as a preventive measure, to avoid excessive amounts of sodium consumption (found in all processed foods) without some form of labeling requirement. Sodium is not found in foods that taste salty. Indeed, it is the "hidden sodium" in processed foods that is the biggest culprit.

Consider the following:

* One serving of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup - 1,222 milligrams

* One 4 ounce serving of canned sweet peas - 8OO milligrams

* One large dill pickle - 28 milligrams

* One-half slice of Devil's Food Cake - 402 milligrams

According to a recent report by the National Academy of Sciences, the estimated safe sodium intake for a healthy adult should not exceed 3,000 milligrams per day. Yet, it is also estimated that sodium consumption per adult varies between 4,000 milligrams and 10,000 milligrams daily. This is some twenty to fifty times more than the body needs. Most major medical and health care organizations have repeatedly urged the federal government to take actions to mandate sodium content labeling. Yet, federal proposals would result, at best, in a voluntary measure with only a percentage of industry participating.

The medical costs associated with the treatment of hypertension related diseases and disorders are estimated at $8 billion per year nationwide. The costs associated with this proposal would be far below any health care costs this State has undertaken. According to reports, mandatory sodium labeling would generate very little expense to either government or the food industry. Industry could be allowed to use the Food and Drug Administration's nutrient data bank for information on sodium levels. The New York State Consumer Protection Board, the New York city Department of Consumer Affairs, the Cooperative Extension of Cornell University, the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Heart Association, the American Dietetic Association, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest support this legislation.

Fiscal implications

There would be some costs incurred in the promulgation of rules and regulations.

Effective date

This act shall take effect two years after the date on which it shall have become a law, however, it shall not be deemed to affect any food commodity already packaged before the effective date of this act.