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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Salt is widely used in food manufacturing as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the …
What it is
Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a mineral compound. It is naturally found in seawater and underground deposits. It is typically harvested through evaporation of seawater or mining and then processed to purify it.
Why it's used
Salt is widely used in food manufacturing as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the taste of other ingredients. It also acts as a preservative by drawing out moisture, which helps prevent spoilage in foods like cured meats, pickles, and fermented products. It is a common ingredient in almost all processed foods, baked goods, and snacks.
Health notes
In the US, salt is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. While sodium is an essential nutrient needed for proper body function, consuming too much salt is linked to high blood pressure in some individuals. The FDA Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg. JECFA has evaluated salt. There is ongoing public health discussion about reducing sodium intake, but its safety as a food ingredient at typical levels is not controversial.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.