Press Release Source: Sugar Association, Inc.

Sugar Industry Responds to DRI Energy Intake Report
Statement of Richard Keelor, Ph.D., President and CEO
Friday September 6, 8:01 am ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Academy of Sciences' Food Nutrition Board (FNB) is to be commended for nearly three years of work in bringing this review of the science to the American people. The recommendations on Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids provide a reasonable guide for policy-makers and health professionals as Americans struggle with nutrition issues. The report suggests that "not more than 25% of total calories should come from added sugars." Our industry has always known that sugar, when consumed in moderation, is part of a healthy diet and pleasurable lifestyle.

It is now up to policy-makers and health educators to convert the study into a format the public can use. Therefore, it is critical that federal agencies bring the veracity of this science-based report to its decision- making and not allow pressure from the activist industry to muddle its integrity. The report also summarizes, "based on the data available on dental caries, behavior, cancer, risk of obesity and risk of hyerlipidemia, there is insufficient evidence to set an Upper Limit (UL) for total or added sugars." The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should take the study's recommendations on added sugars into consideration when setting Daily Value (DV) for added sugars.

In addition to diet, energy expenditure and physical activity are companion keys to optimum health, as highlighted in the report. So sure we are of this that over three years ago, we instituted a physical activity employee benefit program. Every employee is allotted one-half hour per day for physical activity (PA). Depending on individual preferences, employees may choose to take their PA time in the morning, at lunch -- giving the employee an hour and a half to work out -- or, at the end of the work day. In addition, the Association is a major sponsor of Be Active America! a national grassroots physical activity advocacy training program.

The Sugar Association supports the FNB recommendations that individuals should eat a balanced diet and achieve a level of one hour of physical activity every day in order to maintain good health.

The Sugar Association, Inc. is a trade organization representing the nation's cane growers and refiners and sugar beet growers and manufacturers. We believe that pleasant tasting nutritious foods are important in maintaining a healthful diet and a high quality of life. We seek to create and maintain an understanding that the benefits of sugar contribute to the flavor and quality of wholesome foods. The Association also seeks to increase appreciation of the non-food value of sugar. In pursuit of our mission, the Sugar Association is committed to integrity and sound scientific principles in all its programs.


http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020906/dcf004_1.html

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Quote: "Therefore, it is critical that federal agencies (...) not allow pressure from <b>the activist industry</b> to muddle its integrity."

Pot/Kettle/Black?

Quote: "So sure we are of this that over three years ago, we instituted a physical activity employee benefit program."

Sugar employees must have quite a high to burn after their lunches. Do they also get naptime in the afternoon, for that inevitible crash?