ConAgra to cut sodium in food products by 20 pct

MILWAUKEE — ConAgra Foods Inc. will cut sodium from the food it manufactures by 20 percent in the next five years, the maker of Chef Boyardee and Hebrew National said Thursday.

CEO Gary Rodkin said the Omaha, Neb.-based food maker wants to make food healthier and lure health-conscious shoppers. Consumers are increasingly shopping with health in mind, even as they are trimming their budgets in the recession.

Food makers are responding by changing their products — or highlighting different health information — so consumers stick with their brands. Campbell Soup Co. has been trimming the amount of sodium in some of its soups, cereal makers have been cutting sugar and soft drink makers like Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo Inc. have been using new zero-calorie sweeteners.

The bulk of salt Americans consume comes from processed foods. The average American eats too much salt, according to health experts and government studies. That can raise blood pressure, which boosts the risk of stroke and heart disease, the No. 1 killer in America.

More companies are removing salt from their food products, said Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. But people also need to change their diets so they’re eating fresh foods, ones that they prepare on their own.

“Every little bit will help in the grand scheme of things,” she said, “but also it’s getting people back to choosing more whole, nutrient-dense foods, like fresh meats rather than deli meats.”

ConAgra said in a news release its decision will affect as many as 20 brands and 160 varieties of products, from Hunt’s tomatoes to Marie Callender’s frozen meals.

The products vary, so the company plans to use different techniques to reduce the sodium while still trying to preserve flavor.

“This is a definite challenge, but one that is very worthwhile and one we are confident that we can meet,” said Al Bolles, executive vice president of ConAgra’s research, quality and innovation.

Since 2006, ConAgra said it has removed at least 2 million pounds of salt from its products. The new pledge means an additional 8 million pounds of salt will be removed from American diets each year if the 2015 goal is met.

The company said it will update consumers on its efforts each year.

(This version CORRECTS the spelling of Marie Callender’s.)