The Attack on Sugars Ramps Up

The Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit group, has filed a petition with FDA to prohibit foods that are high in sugars to make health or nutrient claims such as “healthy” or “high in fiber.” The group says, “Now that the FDA has DRVs [daily reference values] for added sugar, and overwhelming evidence has illustrated that excessive added-sugar consumption is linked to several chronic diseases, it is time for the FDA to reconsider.” 

The group goes on to say, “It sends dangerous mixed messages to consumers for guidance and nutrition standards on the one hand to limit added sugars and yet to continue to allow food companies to make health claims on sugar-rich processed foods.” 

While many will debate whether such a move by FDA makes sense, and surely the lobbyists are getting ready for a fight, there is little doubt that consumers are confused by these mixed messages that appear on food and beverage packaging. For me, the issue is not about sugar, or sodium or fat – it’s about how we can and should clearly label products so that in that split-second when a shopper is trying to decide what they will buy, all of the honest information is easily read without the marketing hype.