1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
"The (Surprising) Truth About Salt" by Rachael Moeller Gorman.
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Nov. 10, 2010.
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Even though doctors have been telling us for decades that salt is one of the villains in our diet and public health leaders in NYC have started a crusade to slash salt from the food supply, there is no definitive proof that cutting salt will reduce risk of stroke or heart disease. NYC's salt-cutting crusade follows a long line of action preceding evidence, often with unfortunate results.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Numerous research papers, IOM reports, etc.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
Scientists, doctors, public health officials.
6. Results (if any).
No randomized trials show that reducing salt reduces risk of disease or death; in fact, some studies show an increase in disease or death with salt reduction. The salt crusade is based more on faith than science, says one researcher.
7. Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
None.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Know the science before beginning interviews. Keep an open mind during interviews, and reexamine the science.