NAPLES, FLA. — The Salt Institute, in operation since 1914, plans to dissolve at the end of March. The Naples-based trade association advocated for the uses and benefits of salt, ranging from winter roadway safety and water quality to health and nutrition.
“Over the years, the Salt Institute has made a positive impact demonstrating the essential nature of salt in our daily lives through fact-based information, research studies and educational tools,” the Salt Institute said. “The member companies are grateful for the expertise, dedication and support the Salt Institute has provided since its inception.”
The Salt Institute’s views on healthy levels of sodium consumption often conflicted with the views of other organizations and governmental regulatory agencies. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends people keep levels below 2,300 mg of sodium per day, but last August the Salt Institute cited a study that appeared in The Lancet. The study of 95,767 people in 369 communities found sodium intake was associated with cardiovascular disease and strokes only in communities where mean intake was greater than five grams of sodium per day.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, and the Salt Institute had opposing views on sodium intake.
“Over the years the Salt Institute has purposefully muddied the waters on sodium intake and health, going as far to say that Americans are eating just the right amount of sodium, a position rejected by virtually every health authority,” said Michael F. Jacobson, Ph.D., co-founder and executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.