Data / Federal rules / 2026-20848
Use of Salt Substitutes To Reduce the Sodium Content in Standardized Foods
The Food and Drug Administration published this final rule in the Federal Register on October 13, 2026. It takes effect on December 14, 2026.
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What the agency says
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is issuing a final rule to amend our standard of identity regulations that specify salt (sodium chloride) as a required or optional ingredient to permit the use of salt substitutes in standardized foods, to reduce the sodium content. Reducing sodium may help reduce the risk of hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The rule will help support a healthier food supply by providing flexibility to facilitate industry innovation in the production of standardized foods lower in sodium while maintaining the basic nature and essential characteristics of the foods.
Key facts
- Document number
- 2026-20848
- Type
- Final rule
- Action
- Final rule
- Agency
- Health and Human Services Department; Food and Drug Administration
- Published
- October 13, 2026
- Takes effect
- December 14, 2026
- Dates
- This rule is effective December 14, 2026. The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 14, 2026. Submit either electronic or written/paper objections or requests for a hearing on amendments to standards of identity for dairy products in parts 131 and 133 (21 CFR parts 131 and 133) under this final rule by November 12, 2026. See section VI for further information on the filing of objections on amendments to standards of identity for dairy products in parts 131 and 133.
- Docket
- Docket No. FDA-2022-N-2226
- Regulation ID (RIN)
- 0910-AI72
- Code of Federal Regulations
- 21 CFR 130; 21 CFR 131; 21 CFR 133; 21 CFR 136; 21 CFR 137; 21 CFR 139; 21 CFR 145; 21 CFR 150; 21 CFR 155; 21 CFR 156; 21 CFR 158; 21 CFR 161; 21 CFR 163; 21 CFR 166; 21 CFR 168; 21 CFR 169
- Topics
- Bakery products; Cacao products; Dairy products; Food additives; Food grades and standards; Food labeling; Foods; Frozen foods; Fruits; Incorporation by reference; Margarine; Milk; Oils and fats; Seafood; Spices and flavorings; Sugar; Vegetable juices; Vegetables
- Significant
- Yes, under Executive Order 12866
- Pages
- 31
Other documents from the Food and Drug Administration
Everything from the Food and Drug Administration · Rules on dairy products · Rules on food additives · Rules on food grades and standards · Published in October 2026
Read from the Federal Register API, last updated 2026-10-23. The document on federalregister.gov is the official record; dates and dockets can change through later corrections. Free to reuse with credit to SpecStream under CC BY 4.0.