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Sodium Chloride

Level 3 — ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary2 sources

Sodium Chloride is a flavor enhancer — Seasoning, preservative, and packing additive

Also: Common table salt

What it does

Seasoning, preservative, and packing additive

Where you'll see it

meats, vegetables, butter, fruit

What the research says

Can adversely affect persons with high blood pressure and kidney disease [salt-sugar-fat] 5 billion pounds used annually by U.S. food manufacturers — three-quarters of dietary sodium comes from processed foods, not the shaker. Cargill sells 40 engineered varieties (flake, fine flour, Shur-Flo, Diamond Crystal kosher) tuned for popcorn cling, cracker crunch, processed-cheese powder, and 'flavor burst' speed.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • Notes: ASP

Sources

  • Salt Sugar Fat (Moss) — Chapter 12-14 (Salt section): The food industry uses an amount of salt that is every bit as staggering as it sounds: 5 billion pounds
  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): not considered toxic but can adversely affect persons with high blood pressure and kidney disease