Mars Food teams up with the National Salt Reduction Initiative

LOS ANGELES Mars Food has signed on to reduce sodium in its Uncle Ben's flavored rice products.

Mars Food said it is endorsing the National Salt Reduction Initiative, a New York City-led coalition of cities, states and health organizations working to help food manufacturers and restaurants voluntarily reduce the amount of salt in their products, with the goal of reducing Americans' salt intake by 20% over five years. As part of the company's endorsement of the NSRI, Mars Food US is voluntarily committing to lowering the sodium content in its Uncle Ben's brand flavored rice products by 25% over five years. The company's other varieties of Uncle Ben's brand rice and products, including the certified organic Seeds Of Change flavored rice, pasta sauce, simmer sauce and salad dressings, already meet the NSRI targets.

"Mars Food US believes that sodium reduction is one of many important health and nutrition issues, and something we have been actively engaged in for some time," Mike Wilson, VP research and development, Mars Food. "As part of our long term health and nutrition strategy, we remain committed to making significant sodium reductions without compromising the great taste our consumers expect as they continue to look for healthier food choices. We believe that our efforts to reduce sodium in Uncle Ben's brand flavored rice can have a significant impact, especially since it is the number-one rice brand in America."