Seasoning Ingredients: Salt

Salt, chemically known as sodium chloride (NaCl), is a mineral compound essential for life. It is primarily obtained through the evaporation of seawater, mining of underground salt deposits, or extraction from brine solutions. After extraction, it is often refined and processed into various forms, such as table salt, sea salt, or rock salt.

Manufacturers add salt to foods primarily as a flavor enhancer and seasoning, improving the taste of a wide range of products. It also functions as a preservative, used in curing meats and pickling vegetables to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. Salt contributes to the texture and structure of many foods, including baked goods, cheeses, and processed meats.

Salt is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. While sodium is an essential nutrient, high dietary intake is a public health concern, as it is linked to increased blood pressure in some individuals. The FDA's Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg. JECFA has evaluated salt and established an acceptable daily intake. There are no specific controversies regarding the safety of salt itself as a food ingredient, but rather about the overall amount consumed in the diet.