Ohio bill amendment adds sodium warnings to restaurant menus

The Ohio House Agriculture Committee Wednesday unanimously approved an amendment to House Bill 364, a food allergen labeling measure, that would add sodium warnings to menus at chain restaurants.

The amendment, supported by the American Heart Association, would require a menu icon to flag any item containing more than 1,150 milligrams of sodium—half the recommended daily limit.

Surender Neravetla, MD, a member of the American Heart Association state advocacy committee and a cardiac surgeon from Springfield, testified in support of the measure. He emphasized the importance of helping consumers make informed dietary choices.

“A simple icon next to a high-sodium item can make a world of difference,” Neravetla said. “It provides consumers with information they need to make informed choices at the point of selection, empowering them to protect their heart health. This is particularly important for millions of Ohioans managing high blood pressure, and those at risk.”

Research shows that nine out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium, with more than 70% of it coming from restaurant meals and processed foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies excessive sodium intake as a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.

“The proposed amendment transforms HB 364 into a comprehensive consumer health measure,” said Dustin Holfinger, government relations director for the American Heart Association in Ohio. “We believe this common-sense approach to transparency is essential for protecting Ohioans’ cardiovascular health. We urge the Agriculture Committee to approve the measure and send it to the House floor for a vote before the winter recess, cementing Ohio’s leadership as the first state to enact a statewide sodium warning label requirement.”