FDA will allow health claims for food containing potassium

Food & Drug Packaging, Dec, 2000 by George Misko

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to allow food product manufacturers to make health claims linking potassium to a reduced risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

The new claim, "Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke," may be used on packages of foods which contain at least 350 milligram (mg) of potassium per reference amount customarily consumed (RACC) and no more than 140mg of sodium per RACC. The foods must also be low in fat, low in saturated fat and low in cholesterol.

Claims may be made for eligible foods without notification to FDA.

By George Misko, Partner Keller & Heckman

Inquiries or comments may be sent to Mr. Misko at 1001 G St., N.W., Suite 500W, Washington, DC 20001; phone (202) 434-4100 or fax (202) 434-4646. E-mail: misko@khlaw.com