Federal Register #2026-20848

FDA rule permits salt substitutes in specified standardized foods

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule allowing salt substitutes in certain standardized foods to support sodium reduction. - Government agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration. - What the rule permits: Manufacturers may voluntarily replace some or all added sodium chloride with safe and suitable salt substitutes, while preserving each food’s basic nature and essential characteristics. - Scope: The rule amends food standards in 21 CFR parts 130, 131, 133, 136, 137, 139, 145, 150, 155, 156, 158, 161, 163, 166, 168, and 169, covering categories such as dairy products, bakery products, vegetables, and seafood. - OEMs and vendors: No companies are named; no products or services are being procured. - Notable requirement: Use of the new flexibility is optional for manufacturers.

Description

The FDA is issuing a final rule amending standards of identity that specify salt (sodium chloride) as a required or optional ingredient, to permit salt substitutes in standardized foods. The change is intended to enable reduced sodium content while preserving the foods’ basic nature and essential characteristics, and to provide manufacturers flexibility to innovate. The rule covers specified food regulations in 21 CFR parts 130, 131, 133, 136, 137, 139, 145, 150, 155, 156, 158, 161, 163, 166, 168, and 169. It is effective December 14, 2026; objections or hearing requests concerning amendments to dairy product standards in parts 131 and 133 are due November 12, 2026.

View original listing