Doctors and advocates back stronger sodium warnings; DOHMH urges evidence on lower threshold

Council members and witnesses debated Intro 1465, which would require chain food service establishments to display a red‑and‑white equilateral triangle icon on menus for items that contain or exceed a specified sodium threshold.

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse told the Committee that while DOHMH supports reducing sodium intake, the department sees “no sufficient data that supports the impact of a warning icon for a lower sodium limit on consumer choice” and said the department remains committed to evidence‑based strategies. DOHMH noted the city’s existing sodium regulation (implemented in 2015) was a significant step and recommended threshold choices be driven by the evidence.

Clinical witnesses and health advocates urged stronger warnings. Dr. Vanessa Salcedo, vice president of pediatrics and health promotion at Union Community Health Center in the Bronx, testified that children in Tremont show rising obesity and early hypertension and that clearer labeling would help families navigate hidden sodium and sugar. “This would benefit our communities with the highest burden of chronic disease... I respectfully urge the council to pass 14‑65 for my patients,” Dr. Salcedo testified.

The American Heart Association (represented virtually) recommended a lower threshold than the bill’s discussed values: in its testimony the association suggested reducing the trigger from 1,800 mg to 1,500 mg as an “optimal cardiovascular health” daily target and backed additional on‑menu text or graphics to improve comprehension.

Council members pressed both sides on design and comprehension — whether an icon alone would be understood and whether red text saying “HIGH SODIUM” should accompany an icon. A clinician witness argued that simple visuals (red/green/amber or stoplight cues) plus plain language would increase public understanding. DOHMH and witnesses agreed the threshold and design are negotiable and recommended consulting nutrition and nephrology experts.

No vote was taken; public testimony and panel comments leave the Council with competing evidence about the most effective threshold and visuals. DOHMH said it will work with Council and stakeholders to refine evidence and implementation details before final action.