Core Viewpoint - A recent investigation revealed that various "trendy salts," including Himalayan pink salt, contain heavy metals and do not meet food safety standards in China, raising concerns about their safety for consumption [1][2]. Group 1: Types of Salt - The main categories of edible salt on the market are sea salt, lake salt, and mineral salt (including well salt and rock salt), with the primary difference being the source of raw materials [2]. - All types of salt undergo similar processing steps, including rough processing and refining, and must meet a sodium chloride content of at least 97% to be considered qualified under national standards [2]. Group 2: Misconceptions about "Trendy Salts" - Claims that certain salts, such as sun-dried salt or bamboo salt, are superior are often exaggerated; the core purpose of salt processing is to remove harmful components to ensure safety [2]. - "Trendy salts" are expensive not due to their nutritional value or quality but because of their rarity and high production or transportation costs [2][3]. Group 3: Health Considerations - The assertion that these salts are rich in over 80 essential minerals is misleading, as over 97% of salt is sodium chloride, making it impractical to rely on salt for micronutrient intake [3]. - The recommended daily salt intake is limited to 5 grams, and increasing salt consumption can lead to health risks such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases [3]. Group 4: Regulatory Actions - In response to the marketing issues surrounding "trendy salts" and imported salts, market regulatory authorities in the region have taken action, including investigating 12 supermarkets for illegal retailing of imported salt [3].

Core Viewpoint - The popularity of "internet celebrity salts" with exotic appeal is rising on e-commerce platforms, despite their prices being dozens to hundreds of times higher than regular salt, leading to concerns about consumer awareness and potential exploitation through misleading marketing [1][2]. Group 1: Market Trends - Various "internet celebrity salts" are marketed as "natural," "specific origin," and "rich in special minerals," claiming benefits such as calcium and zinc supplementation, which drives up their prices significantly [1][3]. - A 200g bottle of Himalayan pink salt is priced at 58 yuan, while a 454g package of French gray salt costs 108 yuan, indicating a price increase of approximately 50 times compared to regular salt [1]. Group 2: Consumer Awareness - Experts urge consumers to develop a correct consumption mindset and to be cautious of the extravagant claims surrounding "internet celebrity salts," which may lead to unnecessary spending [1][7]. - The term "natural" used in marketing is deemed to have little significance in the current food landscape, as all edible salts are derived from natural sources [5]. Group 3: Nutritional Claims - Claims that "eating salt can supplement calcium" are scientifically unfounded, as excessive salt intake can actually lead to calcium loss in the body [6]. - A recent study by the Chongqing Consumer Association tested 27 salt samples and found negligible amounts of trace minerals, suggesting that the mineral content in these salts is minimal and not a reliable source for supplementation [6][7]. Group 4: Regulatory Insights - Regulatory bodies are encouraged to enforce stricter guidelines against misleading advertising and to promote consumer education regarding the actual benefits of "internet celebrity salts" compared to regular salt [7].