Be it the epicenter of a cultural movement or a political controversy, New York often seems to grab public attention. Last week was no exception to the norm. Concerns about consumers’ unhealthy high sodium diet prompted state Assemblyman Felix Ortiz to propose a bill banning the use of salt in restaurant food preparation – without regard for salt’s role in food flavor or, as the article’s author put it, the “bill’s ramifications for the restaurant industry.”
Not surprisingly, the culinary world and the public do not seem to appreciate Assemblyman Ortiz’ worries about their health. Thousands of agitated people twittered and posted Facebook comments on Facebook urging a halt to New York’s legislative experiments with their food.
Government policy undoubtedly plays an important role in protecting society, but no one is in need of protection here. While Assemblyman Ortiz argues that this bill will give consumers “the option to exercise healthier diets and healthier lifestyles” by having a personal control over their salt intake, he has obviously forgotten that customers are able to make their own choice by easily switching restaurants if they are not satisfied with the quality of served food. Ultimately, the bill will not just regulate preparation of food in restaurants, but also the choices available to restaurant customers.
Banning a millennia old culinary ingredient such as salt will spoil the cuisine of both internationally inspired restaurants and home-style eateries, leaving New Yorkers with a bad taste in their mouths in more ways than one.
– Desislava YordanovaIntern, Center for Economic Freedom