What are Health Checks criteria for sodium/salt?
The sodium criteria are different for each food category. A summary of the criteria is available for the grocery program and for the restaurant program . Health Check announced changes to the criteria for sodium in September 2008. The strengthened sodium criteria are across almost every food category and about 25% of products displaying the Health Check symbol will be affected. All of the food companies we have spoken with have committed to reducing the sodium levels in their products to meet these new criteria. The sodium criteria were revised and lowered for the Mixed Dishes / Entrees category in January 2008. The sodium criteria for the restaurant program have also been revised. All existing products have until November 1, 2010 to have these changes in place. All new products entering the Health Check program must meet the new criteria immediately.
