New York assemblyman Felix Ortiz has proposed a ban on the use of salt in New York City restaurant kitchens, with a fine of up to $1,000 per offense. Instead, he’d like to see salt used only in the hands of the diners at individual tables.

“In this way, consumers have more control over the amount of sodium they intake, and are given the option to exercise healthier diets and healthier lifestyles,” Ortiz explained.

The proposal falls in line with the recommendations of the American Heart Association, which has urged restaurants and food manufacturers to reduce salt used by 50%.

But restaurant owners and chefs are fiercely opposed to the idea, and have created a Facebook group called My Food My Choice to organize their anti-salt ban movement.

Restaurateur Jeff Nathan countered Ortiz’s concept: “Just as doctors and the occasional visit to a hospital can’t truly control how a person chooses to maintain their health, neither can chefs nor the occasional visit to a restaurant.” [via Ananova]

More From Our Independent Writers!

1. New York Bar and Restaurant Sets Prices Like Stocks
2. Heinz Reduces Salt In Ketchup
3. New York City Socialite Gigi Jordan Kills Son, Fails To Kill Herself In Alleged Murder-Suicide Plot
4. Reduced Salt Diet Could Save Americans Billions In Health Care Costs

Tags:

american heart association, ban, chef, controversy, felix ortiz, food, manhattan, New York, New York City, NYC, politician, Politics, restaurant