CSPI Report Shakes up Sodium Debate

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) yesterday released a new report detailing chain restaurant meals with dangerously high levels of sodium and renewed its call on industry and government to lower sodium levels in foods.

CSPI researchers examined 17 chains and found that 85 out of 102 meals had more than a day's worth of sodium, and some had more than four days' worth. CSPI cited the following top offenders:

• Red Lobster’s Admirals' Feast with Caesar salad, creamy lobster topped mashed potato, cheddar bay biscuit and a lemonade—7,106 mg.

• Chili's buffalo chicken fajitas (with tortillas and condiments) and a Dr Pepper—6,916 mg.

• Chili's honey-chipotle ribs with mashed potatoes with gravy, seasonal vegetables, and a Dr Pepper—6,440 mg.

• Olive Garden Tour of Italy (lasagna) with a breadstick, garden fresh salad with house dressing, and a Coca-Cola—6,176 mg.

• Olive Garden chicken parmigiana with a breadstick, garden fresh salad with house dressing and raspberry lemonade—5,735 mg.

"Who knows how many Americans have been pushed prematurely into their graves thanks to sodium levels like those found in Olive Garden, Chili's and Red Lobster?” said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson. "These chains are sabotaging the food supply. They should cut back and give consumers the freedom to decide for themselves how much salt they want."

"More than 70 percent of older Americans have hypertension and are especially vulnerable," said Mel Daly, MD, a geriatrician and medical director of the Subacute Unit at Greater Baltimore Medical Center and an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "Many elderly eat frequently at these restaurants because of convenience and cost. But the high sodium levels in many of these meals can lead to a spike in blood pressure and even precipitate heart failure in some individuals."

CSPI also rated children’s meals and found high levels of sodium from Red Lobster, Chili’s, KFC, Jack in the Box and Olive Garden kids’ meals.

Sources:

• Center for Science in the Public Interest: “Heart Attack Entrées with Side Orders of Stroke"