Newest target of NYC nanny state: Salt

The City Health Department is spearheading the National Salt Reduction Initiative, which will cajole food manufacturers to voluntarily cut sodium content 20 to 25 percent by 2014.

Some 26 other cities, states and organizations, including the American Medical Association, back the campaign.

The initiative is modeled on a program enacted in the United Kingdom to lower sodium in 85 food categories. It resulted in a 9 percent drop in sodium consumption over nine years.

Table salt, which accounts for a minuscule amount of a person’s salt intake, is not targeted.