Food Labeling; Serving Sizes; Reference Amount for Salt, Salt Substitutes, Seasoning Salts (e.g., Garlic Salt)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the nutrition labeling regulations to change the reference amount customarily consumed per eating occasion for the food category ``Salt, salt substitutes, seasoning salts (e.g., garlic salt)'' from a weight- based reference amount of 1 gram (g) to a volume-based reference amount of 1/4 teaspoon (tsp). This action is necessary to provide consistency with the agency's criteria for determining volume-based versus weight- based reference amounts for all product categories. DATES: Effective January 1, 2000. This regulation applies to all affected products initially introduced or initially delivered for introduction into interstate commerce on or after this date. Voluntary compliance may begin January 2, 1998. Written comments on the information collection provisions should be submitted by January 2, 1998.