Sodium Content of Lunchtime Fast Food Purchases at Major US Chains

Only 1 in 36 purchasedmeals met the Food and Drug Administration “healthy” sodiumlevel for meals (600 mg), whereas 1 in 5 exceeded the recommendeddaily limit (2300 mg). Excess sodium intake was not simply theresult of large portion size. Average sodium density was 2136mg sodium per 1000 calories purchased, so even a patron whowas mindful of calorie intake would likely exceed standardsfor healthy sodium intake.

Fast food is loaded with salt!  If you have high blood pressure, are over 40, or are African American, eating at fast food restaurants is especially not for you!

Fried chicken restaurants were the worst offenders!

Recommended daily intake of salt are even lower for high-risk groups:

But the recommendation is much lower for people with high blood pressure, people over 40, and all African-American adults. These groups should be eating no more than two-thirds of a teaspoon of salt (about 1,500 milligrams of sodium) per day