The Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule allowing salt substitutes in foods governed by federal standards of identity that require or permit salt.

Standards of identity define ingredients and, in some cases, production methods for named foods. FDA says 139 standards previously allowed or required salt but did not provide the same flexibility for substitutes.

The change gives manufacturers an additional way to formulate lower-sodium versions while continuing to meet the applicable food standard. It permits the option but does not require companies to reformulate products.

FDA connects the rule with its broader sodium-reduction program and plans to report later in 2026 on progress toward voluntary Phase I targets. Any effect on products, consumer intake or health outcomes will depend on manufacturer adoption and subsequent measurement.