The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has just granted 5 jurisdictions, Los Angeles County, Broome and Schectedy counties in New York, New York City, Shawnee County in Kansas, and Shasta County in California, $1.9 million for sodium-reducing initiatives in foodservice establishments, including restaurants, school, grocery stores and food suppliers. The goal of this 3 year grant is to raise awareness of the health dangers and effects of foods prepared with large amounts of sodium and to initiate at least one major sodium-reduction policy in each region.
For example, Los Angeles County is planning to launch a program to monitor the compliance of restaurants with federal menu labeling mandates, which requires restaurant chains of 20 or more to post nutritional information, like sodium and calories. The case for regulating our salt intake has been a hot issue in the past decade as many Americans have suffered illnesses and death from heart-related conditions that may derive from high sodium diets. Many diners these days are seeking out restaurants that can cater to a healthy lifestyle. At Synergy, we are experts are reverse-engineering menu items to accommodate specific nutritional guidelines. If you feel your restaurant requires a nutritional menu update, please contact our offices for a complimentary evaluation.