Ban on artificial sweetener known as 'magic sugar' lifted by FDA

Philippine health authorities have lifted a ban on the artificial sweetener sodium cyclamate also known as "magic sugar," but said traders and distributors must secure authorization before using the substance.

 

FDA head Kenneth Hartigan-Go said FDA Advisory No. 2013-009, which allows the use of the substance, effectively revokes FDA Advisory 2000-05 issued in 2000, which prohibited the sale of the "magic sugar."

 

"(But all) importers, traders and distributors are ordered to apply for market authorizations from the FDA to ensure proper label and safe use of the product," he said.

 

He said the lifting of the 13-year-old ban on the product stemmed from Codex Standard 192-1995 on food additives.

 

Philippine authorities banned magic sugar as early as 2000, amid concerns about its ill effects on health at the time.

 

The "magic sugar" gained popularity among vendors of cold drinks in parts of Metro Manila as only a small amount is needed to sweeten their products.

 

Artificial non-caloric sweetening agent

 

Discovered in 1937, "magic sugar," chemically known as sodium cyclamate, cyclamic acid or calcium cyclamate, is an artificial non-caloric sweetening agent.

 

It was marketed in many countries other than the Philippines, amid initial findings it can cause urinary bladder tumors in laboratory rats.

 

But Go noted cyclamate is approved for use in more than 100 countries, including Europe, Canada and Australia.

 

"Several reviews made by the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and European Food Safety Authority showed that in these countries, there have been no safety concerns among its millions of consumers. These findings, among others, led to the adoption of cyclamate as food additive by the CODEX Alimentarius Committee," he said.

 

The WHO and FAO set up CODEX to make sure food standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations are developed as part of fair practices in international trade to protect consumers.

 

“CODEX standards and guidelines are developed by committees, which are open to all UN member countries,” Go said.

 

Go said food processors should “adhere to the CODEX standard” which specifies the maximum level of magic sugar in food.

 

They are also ordered to “declare the use of artificial sweeteners and to print the proper use.”

 

Meanwhile, food inspectors of the FDA were instructed to monitor stocks of magic sugars being sold in the markets to ensure these are authorized by FDA.

 

SRA not keen on alternatives to PHL sugar

 

Meanwhile, a report on dzBB radio said the Sugar Regulatory Administration will study the details of the FDA's decision.

 

But SRA administrator Regina Martin said they are not too keen on promoting alternatives to Philippine sugar. —KG, GMA News