CSPI and SFPA Comment on Draft Guidance re: Use of an Alternate Name for Potassium Chloride in Food Labeling

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance (SFPA) respectfully submit the following comments on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Draft Guidance for Industry Regarding the Use of an Alternate Name for Potassium Chloride in Food Labeling. SFPA is a coalition of four of the world’s best-known food companies—Danone North America, Mars Incorporated, Nestle USA, and Unilever United States—seeking to accelerate the pace of change in the food industry through individual company leadership and collective support for public policies that raise the bar and inspire further action.

CSPI and SFPA urge the FDA to amend the draft guidance to permit manufacturers to use the name “potassium salt” in the ingredient statement as a common or usual name for potassium chloride. We support the declaration of the name “potassium salt” as an alternative to the name “potassium chloride” because the name “potassium salt” would be recognized as a common or usual name to at least the same degree as “potassium chloride salt” and would be more accepted by consumers, which would help manufacturers facilitate sodium reduction efforts in processed foods and improve public health.