Chain restaurants in New York City are required, as from Tuesday, to post warning labels next to menu items with 2.3 grams or more of sodium, the recommended daily limit.
"The vast majority of adults in New York City consume more sodium than recommended, and too few understand the link between high sodium intake and hypertension, heart disease, and stroke," said Mary Bassett, New York City health commissioner.
"These warnings are needed in restaurants because the majority of sodium in our diet is not coming from what we decide to add with the salt shaker at the table, it's already in the food when we buy it.
These icons will help New Yorkers make more informed choices when dining out." The new rule also applies to combo items, such as an order-by-number meal that might include a soup and a sandwich or a burger and french fries.
The rule also requires chain food service establishments to post a warning statement where customers place their orders. The statement explains that items with the icon have more than the recommended daily limit of sodium and that high sodium intake can increase blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the Health Department.
The average New York City adult consumes almost 40 percent more sodium than the recommended limit per day. Black and Hispanic New Yorkers consume more sodium than Whites, said the Health Department.
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