Salty dishes get special emblem on NYC menus

New York City is beginning a new era in nutritional warnings this week: Chain restaurants will have to start putting a special symbol on highly salty dishes.

The first-of-its-kind rule takes effect Tuesday. It will require a salt-shaker emblem on some sandwiches, salads and other menu items that top the recommended daily limit of 2,300 milligrams of sodium. That's about a teaspoon.

The Board of Health approved the new warning in September. Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett is expected to discuss it at a news conference Monday.

Public advocates cheer the measure. Experts say most Americans consume too much salt, raising their risks of high blood pressure and heart problems.

Salt producers say the city's policy is misguided, and restaurateurs say the city should leave the matter to federal regulators.

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