Statement on the Food and Drug Administration’s Proposed Daily Value on ‘Added Sugars’

FDA’s Recommendation Doesn’t Meet Its Own Scientific Standards

July 24, 2015

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has an important role in our nation’s food supply to ensure that consumers are not misled by positive or negative claims about the food and beverages they purchase and consume. In doing so, their mandate is to use robust and comprehensive scientific evidence as the basis of their recommendations. Unfortunately, from an initial review of their supplemental proposal to require a declaration of the percent daily value for “added sugars,” it appears they are making assertions that lack adequate scientific evidence.

The FDA’s recommendations are based on the limited and weak scientific evidence found in the 2015 Dietary Guidelines report. Oddly, the quality and strength of the science used to support the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s “added sugars” recommendations would not meet FDA’s own high standards for scientific integrity.

The fact is that the preponderance of science and the data on caloric sweeteners do not support a suggested limit on sugars intake. The Sugar Association plans to submit comprehensive comments that will oppose this proposal and examine the level of scientific evidence at the basis of the misguided recommendation.

To view the comments in their entirety, click here.