Federal · FDA final rule, 21 CFR 130.30

FDA lets makers of cheese, canned vegetables, ketchup and other "standardized" foods use salt substitutes

Final rule Oct. 13, 2026 · Effective Dec. 14, 2026

Published October 18, 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026

What it does

• New definition. The rule adds a definition of “salt substitute” to FDA’s general food-standards rules (21 CFR 130.30). It does not list specific substitutes, so it covers any safe and suitable ingredient, now or in the future, that does salt’s job in a food. (Final rule, sections I.A and I.B)
• 80 food standards amended. FDA says it is amending “80 SOI to permit salt substitutes.” The list includes sour cream, eggnog, cheddar, colby, cream cheese, provolone and other cheeses, self-rising flour, macaroni and noodle products, canned corn, peas, green beans and tomatoes, catsup, tomato juice, canned tuna and oysters, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, and table, cane and maple syrups. (Final rule, section I.B and table of amended sections)
• Limits. Substitutes can’t change the “basic nature and essential characteristics” of the food, and can’t be used at levels higher than needed for their purpose. (Final rule, responses 6 and 8)

Why FDA did it

FDA notes that the Dietary Guidelines say people 14 and older should eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, and that “Reducing sodium consumption may help reduce the risk of hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.” Salt substitutes were already allowed in non-standardized foods. (Final rule, section I.A and III.A)

Who it affects

• Shoppers, who may see lower-sodium versions of these foods.
• People who limit potassium, such as those with chronic kidney disease or heart failure. Commenters raised this concern. FDA responded that the labeling rules below apply, and it expects potassium chloride use to be “self-limiting” because of its bitter, metallic taste. (Final rule, comment and response 9)
• Food manufacturers, including in South Carolina, who may choose to reformulate.

What it means for you

Read the label. The ingredient list of a standardized food made with potassium chloride must say “potassium chloride” or “potassium salt.” If a serving has 2% or more of the daily value for potassium, the Nutrition Facts label must list it. (Final rule, response 9) If you have been told to limit potassium, ask your doctor about salt substitutes.

Cost

FDA says “There are no regulatory costs of the final rule as there are no regulatory requirements or regulatory penalties if manufacturers” choose not to use salt substitutes. It discusses possible voluntary reformulation and relabeling costs only qualitatively. (Final rule, section I.D)

Current status

Published October 13, 2026, and effective December 14, 2026. Objections and hearing requests on the dairy amendments (21 CFR parts 131 and 133) are due by November 12, 2026. (Final rule, “Dates”)

Sources

• Federal Register: “Use of Salt Substitutes To Reduce the Sodium Content in Standardized Foods,” final rule, FR Doc. 2026-20848 (Oct. 13, 2026)
• FDA: Sodium in your diet

Every statement above is drawn from the official source text linked here; section references are shown in grey. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Spot an error? Tell us.