文章基本信息

标题：The Bittersweet Truth About Sugar Labeling Regulations: They Are Achievable and Overdue
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作者：Jennifer L. Pomeranz
期刊名称：American journal of public health
印刷版ISSN：0090-0036
出版年度：2012
卷号：102
期号：7
页码：e14-e20
DOI：10.2105/AJPH.2012.300732
语种：English
出版社：American Public Health Association
摘要：The recent Institute of Medicine recommendation to the Food and Drug Administration to include added sugar in a new front-of-package system provides new justification for reviewing outdated regulations pertinent to sugar and analyzing whether the government’s previous resistance to sugar labeling remains valid given new and robust science. I have provided an overview of US sugar consumption, its public health implications, and the science related to added sugar detection. I reviewed US and international sugar intake recommendations and suggested revised regulations to better inform and protect consumers. I concluded by noting new directions in the area of sugar research for future public health policy. SUGAR IS A SWEETENER, 1 A crop, 2 a functional ingredient for baking, texturizing, and preserving 3 —and the subject of litigation 4 and international disputes. 5 It carries potential health implications 6 and has been the subject of national news. 7 Sugar occurs naturally in fruit, vegetables, and milk, but the majority of sugar in the US diet is added to processed food and beverages (collectively food) 8 during preparation, manufacture, processing, or packaging and is derived from cane, beet, and corn. 9 Public health evidence continues to emerge indicating that added sugar consumption is a public health concern and that federal regulations pertinent to sugar labeling are outdated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its plan to develop a uniform front-of-package system, and shortly thereafter the food industry announced the same. 10 In 2011, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued its final recommendations to the FDA for a science-based approach to front-of-package labeling suggesting that added sugar be considered in the nutrition criteria. 11 The Grocery Manufacturers Association criticized the IOM approach 12 and launched its own front-of-package system that includes total, but not added, sugar disclosures. 13 The FDA has not indicated the course it will take, but the IOM’s recommendation may encourage the agency to at least consider sugar in its front-of-package labeling efforts. Currently, consumers have little guidance to help them make informed choices about sugary products. Robust science counsels in favor of revising labeling requirements for sugar and added sugar. Specific standards can be developed to increase information on the nutrition facts panel, create daily reference values, develop a disqualifying level for manufacturers to make health claims, and develop a front-of-package system that includes sugar in its nutritional criteria.