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November 21, 2017
First and foremost, let’s be clear that the article we are discussing is not actually a study, but a perspective: a collection of speculations and assumptions about events that happened nearly five decades ago, conducted by a group of researchers and funded by individuals and organizations that are known critics of the sugar industry. It is also important to point out that the authors of this paper did not reach out to the Sugar Association to verify any of their assumptions.
However, given the sugar industry’s commitment to transparency, we reviewed our research archives and found documentation that the study in question ended for three reasons, none of which involved potential research findings: the study was significantly delayed; it was consequently over budget; and the delay overlapped with an organizational restructuring with the Sugar Research Foundation becoming a new entity, the International Sugar Research Foundation. There were plans to continue the study with funding from the British Nutrition Foundation, but, for reasons unbeknown to us, this did not occur.
Throughout its history, the Sugar Association has embraced scientific research and innovation in an attempt to learn as much as possible about sugar, diet and health. We know that sugar consumed in moderation is part of a balanced lifestyle,1,2,3 and we remain committed to supporting research to further understand the role sugar plays in consumers’ evolving eating habits. The bottom line: the Sugar Association will always advocate for and respect any comprehensive, peer-reviewed scientific research that provides insights and aids in our understanding of the role food and nutrition serve in our lives.
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(1) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. December 2015. Available at http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/
(2) American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy Statement: Snacks, Sweetened Beverages, Added Sugars, and Schools. Pediatrics. 2015:135(3):575-583
(3) Goldfein KR, Slavin JL, Why Sugar is Added to Food: Food Science 101. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2015:14:644-656.
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%.
October 5, 2022
Inaugural Celebration Spotlights Sugar’s Natural Origins from Sugar Beet and Sugar Cane Plants WASHINGTON, October 6, 2022 – Next week, the sugar industry will come together to mark the first annual National Real Sugar Day on October 14 as a day to celebrate real sugar with the people who bring it from farm to table […]
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