Sodium Warning Labels Added to House Bill 364!

On Wednesday, the Ohio House Agriculture Committee took a big step for community health by unanimously approving an amendment to HB 364, a food allergen labeling bill, that would require sodium warning labels on menu items at chain restaurants. The proposed label would identify any item with more than 1,150 milligrams of sodium, which is half of the recommended daily limit.

The committee heard testimony from Dr. Surender Neravetla, a member of the Ohio State Advocacy Committee and cardiac surgeon from Springfield, Ohio.

“A simple icon next to a high-sodium item can make a world of difference,” said Dr. Surender Neravetla, cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon at Genesis HealthCare System. “It provides consumers with information they need to make healthier choices at the point of selection, empowering them to protect their heart health. This is particularly important for millions of Ohioans managing high blood pressure, and those at risk.” You can read more of Dr. Neravetla’s testimony here.

Why does this matter?

Research shows that 9 out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium, with more than 70% of it coming from restaurant meals and processed foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that excessive sodium intake is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.

“The proposed amendment transforms HB 364 into a comprehensive consumer health measure,” said Dustin Holfinger, the Association’s Government Relations Director in Ohio. “We believe this common-sense approach to transparency is essential for protecting Ohioans’ cardiovascular health. We urge the Agriculture Committee to approve the measure and send it to the House floor for a vote before the winter recess, cementing Ohio’s leadership as the first state to enact a statewide sodium warning label requirement.”

Use your voice and ask your lawmaker to champion sodium warning labels in House Bill 364 – TAKE ACTION HERE!