The federal government is now reviewing a report from an advisory committee on U.S. dietary guidelines that recommends Americans decrease the amount of daily sodium in their diets from 2,300 milligrams to less than 1,500 milligrams.

David McCarron said yesterday in a Financial Post article (Junk Science Week: Salt scare lacks solid evidence), “In the science of salt and food, the government experts may have the science of the salt shaker upside down.”

Step 1) Take Action

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to view the Advisory Report now posted along with public comments at www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Written comments will be accepted from June 15, 2010 to July 15, 2010. Oral testimony may be provided at a public meeting to be held in Washington, DC, on July 8, 2010.

Written comments can be submitted at www.dietaryguidelines.gov (Direct link) or mailed to Carole Davis, Co-Executive Secretary, Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Room 1034, Alexandria, VA 22302.

Call Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack: 202-720-3631
Email Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack: AgSec@usda.gov

Call Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius: 202-205-5445
Email Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius: Kathleen.Sebelius@hhs.gov

You can view written public comments at www.dietaryguidelines.gov (Direct link)

To provide oral testimony at the July 8 public meeting, you must register by going to www.dietaryguidelines.gov or by calling Crystal Tyler at (202) 314-4701 prior to 5 p.m. EDT on June 30. The meeting will be held in the Jefferson Auditorium in the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., on July 8 beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending no later than 5:00 p.m.

Step 2) Make Your Voice Heard

Sign the My Food My Choice Petition: http://myfoodmychoice.org/sign

Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Watch and share the My Food My Choice videos on salt reduction plans: http://youtube.com/myfoodmychoice