Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 11/30/11

The Food and Drug Administration and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service are extending, to Jan. 27, 2012, the deadline by which industry players can update the agencies on their efforts to reduce sodium in their beef, pork and poultry formulations.

The original notice, "Approaches to Reducing Sodium Consumption; Establishment of Dockets; Request for Comments, Data, and Information," was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 15, 2011.

The FDA and FSIS are asking for comments on research, data and other information that will better inform both agencies about current and emerging practices by the private sector regarding sodium reduction in foods; current consumer understanding of the role of sodium in hypertension and other chronic illnesses; sodium consumption practices; motivation and barriers in reducing sodium in consumers' food intakes; and issues associated with the development of targets for sodium reduction in foods to promote reduction in excess sodium intake.

Submit electronic comments and data and information to http://www.regulations.gov/.

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