IDFA Welcomes FDA Final Rule Permitting Salt Substitutes in Foods with Standards of Identity

IDFA Welcomes FDA Final Rule Permitting Salt Substitutes in Foods with Standards of Identity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2026-The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today shared its support for the FDA's Final Rule allowing the use of salt substitutes in standardized foods. IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes released the following statement:

"IDFA welcomes FDA's final rule permitting the use of salt substitutes in standardized foods, including many dairy products and cheeses. This update provides dairy manufacturers with additional flexibility to reduce sodium while maintaining product quality, safety and consumer expectations.

IDFA has long supported this approach and urged FDA to finalize the rule as part of broader standards of identity modernization efforts. We also appreciate FDA's commitment to further evaluating progress under existing sodium reduction targets and encourage the completion of the evaluation before considering future actions."

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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA's diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.