Spices And Salt Added

Spices are aromatic parts of plants, such as seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or flowers, used to flavor food. Salt, or sodium chloride, is a mineral compound. When listed as "Spices and Salt Added," it indicates that a blend of various spices and salt has been included in the product.

Manufacturers add spices and salt primarily to enhance the flavor of foods. Salt also acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of products by inhibiting microbial growth. This combination is commonly found in savory processed foods, such as canned seafood, to improve taste and help with preservation.

The FDA recognizes salt (sodium chloride) as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS). High sodium intake is a public health concern, as it can contribute to high blood pressure in some individuals; the FDA's Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg per day. JECFA has evaluated sodium chloride and determined that an acceptable daily intake (ADI) does not need to be specified. Most individual spices are also recognized as GRAS by the FDA and are considered safe for consumption at typical levels found in food. There are no notable controversies regarding "spices and salt added" as a combined ingredient, though consumers are advised to monitor overall sodium intake.