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Food & Nutrition
FDA Publishes Final Rule on Salt Substitutes in Standardized Foods
FDA published a final rule to permit the use of salt substitutes in foods with standards of identity (SOI) that specify salt (sodium chloride) as a required or optional ingredient. The final rule does not list specific salt substitutes; instead, it generally allows manufacturers to use ingredients or combinations of ingredients as salt substitutes in standardized foods, now or in the future. According to the agency, the final rule will allow manufacturers of foods subject to an SOI regulation the flexibility to reduce sodium, enabling innovation and the production of standardized foods lower in sodium. The final rule supports FDA’s broader sodium reduction efforts, including the multi-phase Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals, which encourage industry to gradually reduce the sodium content of its products across the U.S. food supply. Later this year, the agency is anticipated to issue a report evaluating progress against the Phase I targets, building on a preliminary assessment issued in 2024.
HHS Launches Health Center Healthy Lifestyle Commitment on Nutrition and Preventive Care
HHS announced the launch of the Health Center Healthy Lifestyle Commitment, a voluntary initiative aimed at integrating nutrition, preventive care, and healthy lifestyle practices into patient care at Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-supported health centers. The initiative encourages participating health centers to adopt evidence-based practices that prioritize disease prevention, promote healthy eating, and provide patients and families with practical guidance on nutrition and healthy behaviors. Key priorities include helping patients understand and apply the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, connecting individuals with community-based resources such as fresh produce programs, community gardens, nutrition education, and physical activity opportunities, and equipping healthcare professionals with training and resources to incorporate nutrition and healthy living into routine care. As part of the initiative, HHS is also encouraging participating health centers to display the new food pyramid and use it as an educational resource to help those better understand the Dietary Guidelines.
Senator Patty Murray Launches Public Health for America Working Group
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced the launch of the Public Health for America Working Group. The Working Group will serve to develop policy recommendations and legislation to strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure and protect public health institutions from ‘political interference.’ According to Murray, the Working Group will focus on establishing a more resilient, science-driven public health system that maintains public trust, regardless of changes in political leadership. As part of its efforts, the Working Group will convene roundtable discussions with researchers, healthcare providers, state, local, and Tribal health officials, and former federal scientists to identify opportunities to strengthen the nation’s public health system. The Working Group’s efforts will be guided by six core principles: building public trust, protecting scientific independence, prioritizing prevention, strengthening public health infrastructure, improving emergency preparedness, and promoting equitable access to public health protections.
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