Press Release Source: Sugar Association


Sugar Association Says Consumers Deserve Accurate, Science-Based Nutrition Information
Thursday August 19, 1:18 pm ET


WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- At a public meeting on the current and proposed changes to USDA's Food Guide Pyramid, Dr. Charles Baker, Vice President of Scientific Affairs for the Sugar Association reiterated the statement made in today's meeting by Dr. Eric Hentges, Executive Director of USDA's center for Nutrition Policy and Programs, that all recommendations must be based on sound science. In Dr. Baker's comments, he strongly urged the USDA to use scientific evidence to determine added sugars intake levels rather than the use of mathematical formulas currently being used/ proposed.
"The Association firmly believes that the American public has the right to have accurate dietary guidance and nutrition policy supported by the entire body of science," stated Dr. Baker. "Every major scientific review has concluded that lifestyle diseases, including obesity, are not linked to sugars intake."

Dr. Baker cited the 2002 Institutes of Medicine review of macronutrient intake as a prime example of sound science that is being ignored when intake levels for sugars are being set.

Dr. Baker made three compelling points to support his arguments. First, the mathematical formulas currently being used to determine intake levels contradict the science-based approaches applied when intake recommendations for selective classes of dietary fats and micronutrients like calcium were established. The Association questions why sugars are being treated differently.

Second, sugars continue to be assigned to the category of "leftover calories" to accommodate the mathematical model. The Association questions the consumer benefit since the continued use of the mathematical model essentially minimizes the importance of fortified and enriched foods in the US diet.

Third, the proposed treatment of added sugars continues to give the consuming public the perception that sugar has no value. On the contrary, Dr. Baker pointed out that sugar has played an important role in the food supply for centuries. Some of its functional properties in the food system include food preservation, flavoring, and palatability. As a result, sugar is present in many of the healthy foods necessary for maintaining balanced and nutritionally adequate diets.

"The Sugar Association recognizes that all foods need to be consumed in moderation," continued Dr. Baker. "We encourage the consumer to eat a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, protein and grain products. Recommending that Americans restrict their added sugar consumption is unnecessary, would be confusing and make it difficult for them to meet their dietary needs."

The Sugar Association is a trade organization representing the nation's sugar cane growers and refiners and sugar beet growers and processors whose primary mission is to inform and educate the consuming public about the role of sugar (sucrose) in nutrition and health.

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Source: Sugar Association