New York restaurateurs struggle against salt warning

Catering association files lawsuit against new labeling obligation
Since December 1, major restaurant chains in New York are required to mark dishes with lots of salt on the menu. However, the national catering association has already filed an objection because the proposed measure is inconsistent, since only a few restaurants are affected. In addition, the warning of too much salt is not scientifically clear.

Labeling for all dishes with more than 2.3 mg salt
The East Coast metropolis of New York continues to campaign for the health of its citizens. After the ban on trans fat in 2006 and the introduction of a calorie labeling requirement in 2008, now is the salt. Since the beginning of the week, all restaurant chains in the city, which operate more than 15 stores in the US, have to mark strong salted foods with a black and white salt shaker on the menu. The rule applies to all dishes that contain more than one teaspoon (about 2.3 g) of the mineral, as this is the currently recommended maximum daily allowance for adults in the US.
According to estimates by the authorities, about every tenth court of restaurant chains should be provided with a salt tax symbol.

High salt foods must be marked in New York on the menu. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com)

Too much salt increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease
The reason for the strict measure are the suspected health hazards. Because who permanently takes up too much salt risks, for example Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases such as a heart attack or stroke. In addition, Berlin researchers reported only a few weeks ago that excessive salt intake can harm the immune system. From what amount of consumption is "too high", however, is not clearly understood among experts. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises a maximum of five grams a day, while other studies indicate that up to six grams a day are tolerated within tolerable limits.

However, just a few days after the introduction of the labeling obligation, the critics have their say. The restaurant operators go to the barricades and, as the "National Restaurant Association" (NRA) announces, a lawsuit has already been filed. Accordingly, the proposed measure is not consistent, since it applies initially only in New York and also meet only a part of the restaurants. For large chains with more than 15 branches across the United States, according to the authorities, would account for only about one third of New York's gastronomy.

Salt shaker symbol could cause additional confusion
"Consumers should have equal access to nutrition information, from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon," says the NRA. "Restaurant owners across the country are already working hard to comply with nationwide nutrition labeling rules in the menus by providing comprehensive and consistent nutrition information to consumers," added the restaurateurs association.

Also the controversial opinion over the recommended daily maximum amount for salt is according to the catering association a reason, why the requirement must be tilted again. In addition, this would cause confusion among the customers, which could eventually be selected even unhealthier food. "That's why we are taking legal action against this latest attack. It's going too far, too fast for the New York restaurant community, "says the NRA. (No)