Proposed NY Law Would Ban Salt in Restaurant Food Preparation

Now, I have heard everything. The New York legislature is considering a bill (see text) that would ban the use of salt in restaurant food preparation. Felix Ortiz (D-Brooklyn), who introduced the bill, says that it is necessary to protect the health of people who dine in the state: "In this way, consumers have more control over the amount of sodium they intake, and are given the option to exercise healthier diets and healthier lifestyles. . . ."

The restaurant industry is boiling over the proposed measure. Angry chefs contend that the measure would chill their craft:

"Chefs would be handcuffed in their food preparation, and many are already in open rebellion over this legislation," said Orit Sklar, of My Food My Choice [a coalition of chefs, restaurant owners and consumers]. "Ortiz and fellow anti-salt zealot Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City seek to undermine the food and restaurant business in the entire state."

My Personal Take
As an avid cook, I cannot help but side with the chefs. Salt improves the taste of food, and it also helps keep it moist (e.g., in the "brining" process). People in New York should exercise moderation in their food choices -- rather than having the law dictate the creative expression of chefs.