Health Officials Urge FDA to Limit Sweeteners in Sodas

Health Officials Urge FDA to Limit Sweeteners in Soda

While the thought of consuming 16 teaspoons of sugar in one sitting may seem unappealing, many people make this choice every time they crack open a 20-oz bottle of soda. Over time, they could suffer serious health consequences. In an effort to improve health standards, a group of advocacy organizations and public health officials are speaking out against what they consider to be unsafe amounts of sugars—including high fructose corn syrup—in soda and other beverages. Led by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer advocacy organization based in Washington, DC, the coalition is urging the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine more appropriate levels of sweeteners in beverages.

In mid-February, the CSPI filed a regulatory petition with the FDA that outlines the substantial body of scientific evidence linking sugary beverages with health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, dental caries, heart disease, and gout. Additionally, the document asks that the FDA phase in the reduced sugar levels over several years, and points out that a number of health agencies have suggested that 2¹/₂ teaspoons (10 grams) would be a reasonable cutoff. In a press release, the CSPI references FDA statements from 1982 and 1988, in which it pledges to take up a new safety determination if sugar consumption increased, and if new scientific research showed that such a change was warranted. Holding the FDA to its word, the CSPI states that both conditions have been met. Furthermore, the group is asking the FDA to encourage the industry to lower sugar levels on packaged goods such as breakfast cereals and baked goods, and to mount an educational campaign to help reduce the consumption of added sugars.

To combat health problems associated with increased sugar consumption, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a limit of 6 teaspoons of sugar for women per day, and 9 teaspoons for men. Currently, the average American consumes between 18 teaspoons and 23 teaspoons of added sugars per day, according to the AHA. Dental professionals can support the effort to reduce sugar consumption by referring patients to products that utilize sugar substitutes, such as xylitol and sorbitol, or rebiana, a high-potency sweetener made from the stevia plant. In addition to lowering the risk of caries, some of these sweeteners have other health benefits, such as cariostatic properties.