Restaurant industry supports Sodium Working Group recommendations

OTTAWA, July 29 /CNW/ - The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA), representing more than 30,000 members across Canada, supports the national strategy and recommendations released today by the Sodium Working Group.

"CRFA members are committed to doing their part to help reduce sodium intake. We look forward to working with government and our supply chain partners to make this national action plan a success," says Ron Reaman, CRFA's vice president federal. "Many restaurant chains are already taking action to reduce sodium as part of a larger effort to offer healthier choices."

CRFA has been an active member of the Sodium Working Group, and supports the three-pronged approach recommended today: voluntary sodium reduction; ongoing research and development; and education and awareness.

"The key is making sure that consumers accept and enjoy sodium-reduced products and don't feel the need to reach for the salt shaker," says Reaman. "That requires a gradual, coordinated approach to reducing sodium, accompanied by public education and ongoing research."

CRFA has published a detailed guide to sodium reduction for foodservice operators, available on its website free of charge at www.crfa.ca.

For further information: Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, CRFA communications specialist, 416-649-4254 or [email protected]