The Food and Drug Administration asked food companies to use less salt in more than 150 items as a way to make Americans healthier. The agency targeted manufacturers that sell foods made from grains as well as potato chips and french fries. A total of 163 items made the list. The FDA said the extra sodium people eat sodium is the chemical name for salt mostly comes from foods made or eaten away from home. The FDA suggested that food companies slowly reduce the amount of salt they add to their products. In doing so, Americans can get used to eating less salt. The agency called for a gradual reduction of 12 percent over the next two-and-a-half years. If the companies agree, it will reduce the average American’s sodium intake from 3,400 to 3,000 milligrams per day. The FDA suggests people over the age of 14 take in only 2,300 milligrams per day, but the goal is to reduce the sodium over time.