FDA has extended the comments period for its draft guidance regarding sodium reduction in food.

• As previously covered, on June 1, 2016, FDA issued a draft guidance document that provides voluntary sodium reduction targets for the food industry, specifically aimed at food manufacturers, restaurants, and food service operators. The draft guidance sets forth a 2-year goal of reducing intake to 3,000 mg per day and a 10-year goal of reducing intake to 2,300 mg per day.

• Late last week, on August 18, 2016, FDA announced an extension of the comments period for its draft guidance.  The comment period for 2-year sodium reduction targets is now October 17, 2016 (instead of August 31, 2016).  The comment period for the 10-year targets is now December 2, 2016 (instead of October 31, 2016).

• FDA is granting the extension in response to requests from industry trade associations, as well as consumer and public health organizations.