Where’s the Salt Shaker

salt shakerOne of my greatest morning pleasures used to be reading the New York Times online. In our present political silly season. . . not so much! But every now and then, there is a piece that tickles my funny bone. The latest one was in the science section and called Some Restaurants Reduce Salt but Critics Call Moves Unnecessary.

The piece reported on the new table top salt shaker holders – see picture.  In an effort to cut down on the unhealthy effects of sodium the company has replaced salt shakes with these little signs.  If you have trouble reading it it says:

Where is the Salt Shaker? Salt shakers are available at the beverage station, their new home. . .focuses on reducing sodium while delivering the same great taste

Boston Market will gladly serve you Meatloaf, Beef Brisket and Mac and Cheese but no salt. I am not sure how sodium/salt got to be worse for you than genetically modified, pesticide ridden foods, grease, red meat, dairy products and MSG, but evidently they are.

This is particularly amusing since the jury is still out on the effects of sodium on the average diner. It all depends on who you want to believe. If you don’t think it is that awful you will believe the American Journal of Hypertension. If you are in the camp that thinks it is a fact that sodium is bad for you, then you will believe the USDA.

But even more to the point is the irony of an industry that is dedicated to promoting toxic food additives creating sodium as the straw man of the month. Never mind that MSG makes you fat and diminishes your brain function. Or that meat and dairy products clog your arteries and lower your body’s immune system.  The real enemy (according to them) is table salt! Hmmm!.And since we are taking about an industry operating in lock step, it is no surprise that  Subway, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Burger King and Taco Bell have all taken a vow to reduce sodium in their menu items.

Public reaction ranges from high praise to outrage about the “Nanny State” we have become. I will spare you my rant on the stupidity of Big Brother or Big Corp overseeing what we do in our homes, the things we drink and now the actual food on the table. All I’m saying is “What next!!”

I don’t know about you, but I think I am adult enough to figure out how much to salt my food. If these companies want to do us a real service they could provide an accurate list of ingredients and nutritional information on each item.  Given information, the consumer is free to make up there own mind.

What do you think??

About Genene Cote

Genene Coté -- Nutrition Advocate, Counselor and Coach who is also a Whole Food Plant Based Eater (vegetarian/vegan), cook and gardener.
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