Draft Guidance on Alternative Name for Potassium Chloride in Food Labeling

The U.S. FDA issued a draft guidance on May 17 to advise food manufacturers of its intent to exercise enforcement discretion for the name “potassium chloride salt” in the ingredient statement on food labels as an alternative to the common or usual name “potassium chloride.”

Guidance is consistent with FDA’s Nutrition Innovation Strategy to reduce the burden of chronic disease in the U.S. through improved nutrition. The strategy’s goals are to empower consumers with information and support and foster industry innovation in developing and promoting healthful food options. The draft guidance is also consistent with FDA’s activities to encourage manufacturers to reduce the sodium levels in food products in the interest of public health.

Potassium chloride, in some instances, can be used as a partial substitute for sodium chloride in food processing and manufacturing. The addition of the term “salt” to “potassium chloride” may encourage manufacturers to use this sodium alternative and help consumers to understand that potassium chloride can replace sodium chloride in foods. This may help to reduce the intake of sodium, which is over-consumed by the U.S. population, while increasing potassium, which is under-consumed.

Comments on the draft guidance should be submitted within 60 days after publication in the Federal Register of the notice announcing the availability of the guidance. This will ensure that they are considered before work begins on the final guidance. Submit electronic comments to http://www.regulations.gov. Submit written comments to the Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. All comments should be identified with the docket number FDA-2019-D-0892.

To access the draft guidance, click here.