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‘Added sugars’ recommendations not based on preponderance of science as required by law
The Sugar Association is troubled by the lack of consistency in the scientific process and quality of evidence used by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (Committee) as the basis for its Advisory Report to the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Committee’s conclusions on “added sugars” intake are not based on the established evidence-based review process of the full body of science, which raises serious concerns the Committee bypassed this process and hand-picked science to support their pre-determined conclusions. Such an approach suggests that these conclusions were “opinion-based” and not “science-based.”
We strongly contend that leading the American public to believe there is an association between a dietary component and detrimental health outcomes requires a robust review of the entire body of high-quality scientific literature by experts in the field of investigation, not a few hand-picked reviews selected by scientists without carbohydrate or “sugars” expertise.
As cholesterol is getting a pass, it is clear that “added sugars” is the newest dietary target, with over 300 mentions in this report. The 2015 Committee, despite weak science, is now telling the American public that many of our health woes are caused by “added sugars” intake. As Dr. F. Edward Scarborough, former director of FDA’s Office of Food Labeling, so aptly stated in his comment regarding “added sugars” submitted to FDA on its proposed changes to the Nutrition Facts Panel:
We question the usefulness of a Dietary Guidelines process that continues to provide contradictory advice and ultimately confuses the American public. The Sugar Association will ask the Secretaries to maintain the integrity of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans process when the Departments write the final 2015 Dietary Guidelines. We ask that the Secretaries ensure the Guidelines are based solely on the preponderance of scientific information as mandated by Public Law 101.445, not hypotheticals, agendas, opinions or beliefs.
We maintain that all-natural sugar is an important ingredient that has been safely used for thousands of years. Sugar consumed in moderation – a level between restriction and indulgence – is an important part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
June 21, 2023
Closing the “sugar information gap” empowers consumers to achieve Real Sugar balance WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Sugar Association released research findings from a consumer survey demonstrating consumers remain interested in knowing where real sugar comes from and how much of it they can eat. “This survey confirms a growing trend of consumers are looking […]
April 5, 2023
The Sugar Association (SAI) and its members are committed to helping Americans, including school aged children, achieve a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle through consuming all nutrients – including sugar – in the right amounts.
February 3, 2023
As USDA undertakes its rulemaking for school meals with a focus on obesity reduction, it is important to note that added sugars consumption has actually declined by more than 30% since 2000 while child obesity is up by 45%.
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