WASHINGTON — A day after First Lady Michelle Obama asked members of the Grocery Manufacturers Association to supply supermarkets with healthier options, Kraft Foods announced plans to reduce sodium by an average of 10% across its portfolio over the next two years.
Under such a plan, sodium in Easy Mac Cups will be reduced by 20% and Oscar Mayer Bologna will undergo a 17% reduction.
"We are reducing sodium because it's good for consumers and, if done properly, it's good for business," said Rhonda Jordan, president, health & wellness, Kraft Foods, in a statement. "A growing number of consumers are concerned about their sodium intake and we want to help them translate their intentions into actions."
PepsiCo also announced plans to adopt a new global policy to stop sales of full-sugar soft drinks to primary and secondary schools by 2012. The policy applies in all countries outside the U.S., and is consistent with PepsiCo's existing U.S. policy.
"GMA and its member companies share first lady Michelle Obama's goal to solve the problem of childhood obesity," said Richard Wolford, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Del Monte Foods Co., and chairman of the GMA board of directors, in a statement. "And we agree on how to get there. Our industry is an enthusiastic supporter of Mrs. Obama's Let's Move! initiative and its goal of solving childhood obesity within a generation."
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