Petitioner claimed (and presented evidence) that consumer acceptance of potassium chloride (as alternative to salt or sodium chloride) is hindered by consumers’ association of chloride in the word “potassium chloride” with chlorine or other chemicals. To improve the acceptance of potassium chloride, Petitioner requested that “the commissioner . . . 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.” As discussed in the Petition, potassium has several health benefits; it helps lower blood pressure, reduces the adverse effects of sodium chloride intake on blood pressure, and reduces the risk of recurrent kidney stones.

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.