With pressure from Michelle Obama and countless health advocates to eliminate childhood obesity many giant corporations have announced plans to reduce sodium levels in popular food items. These announcements are a reaction to the obesity epidemic which effects nearly one-in-three Americans.

Pepsi announced plans to reduce sodium in their products by 25% over a five year time span. This means significant changes to Pepsi’s beverages, as well as items from Fito-Lay. During the company’s two day conference Pepsi also mentioned cutting the values of sugar and saturated fat, over the next 10 years.

Pepsi isn’t the first to announce sodium reductions in food, the beverage juggernaut joins Kraft Foods, ConAgra Foods Inc. and Campbell Soup Co. This comes as a reaction to consumers’ demands for healthier food options.

The major question concerning these companies’ plans is, why take so long to make necessary changes to your products? Are these companies giving a whole hearted effort to improve the health of our nation by taking 5-10 years to cut the salt in soda or macaroni and cheese?