Potassium Chloride Should Be Potassium Salt On Food Labels

On June 27, 2016, NuTek Food Science LLC filed a citizen petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that, if granted, will provide great benefits to consumers by helping the FDA and the food industry in their efforts to enhance the nutritional profiles of foods and ultimately advance the health and wellness of the U.S. population. Specifically, the citizen petition requests “the commissioner to issue guidance recognizing ‘potassium salt’ as an additional common or usual name for potassium chloride as that ingredient is defined in 21 C.F.R. § 184.1622” (the “potassium salt petition” or the “petition”).

Although potassium chloride has been an ingredient in food for decades, there is consumer confusion over what it is. Consumers often misassociate the “chloride” element with chlorine or other chemicals. The labeling change proposed by the petition will provide clarity and consumer acceptance of potassium chloride, which will in turn help further the dietary goals articulated by the FDA — to lower sodium and increase potassium consumption.

Originally published in Law360.

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