Ohio House Agriculture Committee adds amendment to requiring warning labels on restaurant menu items high in sodium
COLUMBUS, OH – November 5, 2025 – On Wednesday, the Ohio House Agriculture Committee unanimously approved an amendment to HB 364, a food allergen labeling bill, that would add sodium warnings to menus at chain restaurants. The amendment supported by the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, would flag any item with more than 1,150 milligrams of sodium, which is half of the recommended daily limit.
Surender Neravetla, MD, member of the American Heart Association state advocacy committee and cardiac surgeon from Springfield, Ohio, testified before the committee. Neravetla emphasized the importance of consumer nutrition awareness.
“A simple icon next to a high-sodium item can make a world of difference,” said Neravetla. “It provides consumers with information they need to make informed choices at the point of selection, empowering them to protect their heart health. This is particularly important for millions of Ohioans managing high blood pressure, and those at risk.”
Why does this matter?
Research shows that 9 out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium, with more than 70% of it coming from restaurant meals and processed foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that excessive sodium intake is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.
“The proposed amendment transforms HB 364 into a comprehensive consumer health measure,” said Dustin Holfinger, government relations director for the American Heart Association in Ohio. “We believe this common-sense approach to transparency is essential for protecting Ohioans' cardiovascular health. We urge the Agriculture Committee to approve the measure and send it to the House floor for a vote before the winter recess, cementing Ohio's leadership as the first state to enact a statewide sodium warning label requirement.”
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Monique Zappa: Monique.Zappa@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
