LISLE, ILL. — Eckrich, a Smithfield Foods, Inc., brand, has introduced a lower sodium smoked sausage. The product has 33% less sodium as compared to U.S. Department of Agriculture data for smoked sausage, according to the company.

"We looked at a great deal of research showing that there’s a group of consumers who are looking for food options with less sodium," said Charles Gitkin, vice-president of marketing, innovation and R.&D. for the John Morrell Food Group, a Smithfield business unit. "We are now able to deliver a product that has the same great taste of Eckrich with less of the sodium they are trying to avoid.”

The new offering will be available in 13-oz packages in retail stores this fall.