Sugar E-News The Sugar Association Inc.

Vol. 6 #33August 25, 2003

Sugar:All Natural … 15 Calories Per Teaspoon!

1101 15th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC20005 202-785-1122

SAI Completes TV Interview for Obesity Documentary

In a 50 minute interview on August 22 with Morgan Spurlock, Producer and President of The Consortium, a New York based documentary film company, Sugar Association President, Andrew Briscoe, addressed numerous questions relating to sugar (sucrose) and concerns influencing the obesity epidemic in the U.S. The interview was conducted at the Sugar Association office in DC. The focus of the film will be what it will take to get Americans to respond to and commit to reducing the growing obesity problem. Spurlock’s objective is to create a two hour documentary that will be entered in to various film festivals including, Sundance, with the goal of having distributors like PBS, pick it up for future airing. Others interviewed for the documentary include: former Surgeon General David Satcher, National Restaurant Association, Grocery Manufacturers Association, George Washington University Professor John Banzhaf, CSPI, National Institute of Health, Institute of Medicine, Over Eaters Anonymous, and the World Health Organization.

Keys messages SAI wanted to convey were 1) that everything the Association says and does about sugar is based on sound, rigorous science, 2) that sugar (sucrose) is all natural and 15 calories per teaspoon, 3) Americans consuming 15.7% of their daily carbohydrate caloric intake in sugars and this is a moderate intake for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, and 4) lack of physical activity is 50% or more of the problem in the battle against obesity, therefore supporting the need for lifestyle guidelines.

Questions included: What is the healthy consumption level of sugar? Why does sugar get such a bad rap? Is the over consumption of high fructose corn syrup to blame? A study that has come out from the Institute of Medicine reports you can eat up to 25% of your daily caloric intake in sugars…seems like a lot? It seems confusing that other sweeteners are grouped in with sugar? How many food products use sugar (sucrose)? There is something happening…the sweetening of America…Splenda is 600 times sweeter than sugar…is that having an effect on people wanting to eat more? Is sugar addictive? Another report came out…the World Health Organization’s Report, and the Sugar Association has adamantly questioned the validity of…can you tell us why? All of these questions and more were addressed and summaries will be documented for use by Sugar Association members and for posting on our website.

Briscoe concluded, “Science clearly does not show that sugar has any association with obesity. In fact, sugar (sucrose) has been exonerated as it relates to any diseases or obesity and we haven’t seen where taking sugar out of ones diet is going to help.”

Once a specific air date is provided, Public Relations, who handled the preparation and coordination for the interview, will notify Association members.

FDA Labeling and Health Claims Workshop – Superior Strategies Critical

A workshop on the rules and regulations governing FDA labeling and health claims on August 19-22 was led by two retired FDA Office of Food Labeling (now the Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements) officials, both of whom were personally responsible for writing and implementing the rules and regulations of the 1993 Nutrition Labeling and Education Act.

The workshop was excellent as it disclosed invaluable background information that SAI can use to improve current and future approaches with not only FDA but also other HHS offices and USDA. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) directed to food was presented in such detail that essential insight into FDA’s viewpoints on each CFR part was gained. Each workshop participant received a copy of the comprehensive third edition of Food Labeling Compliance Review. It is obvious that word selection and nuance is even more critical today to be successful with FDA.

The consulting group organizing this workshop publishes a newsletter advising subscribers of all FDA official letters, policy pronouncements and news releases, as well as all petitions and associated documents received by FDA. SAI will subscribe in order to increase the efficiency of our information collecting activities.

Director of Public Policy and Education, Cheryl Digges, and Vice President Scientific Affairs, Charles Baker, attended the 3- day workshop.

Key PointsThe knowledge and insight gained at this workshop strengthens SAI’s science-based mandate. Our programs will benefit as SAI deals with FDA on how to accurately define the sweeteners used by food manufacturers today, and with HHS and USDA as the 2005 Dietary Guidelines process moves forward.

The workshop provided the larger context necessary for SAI’s immediate and future strategic action plans with all Federal agencies.

CSPI CriticizesDietary Guidelines Advisory Committee … HHS and FANSA Effectively Counter

On Tuesday, August 19, 2003, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) issued a news statement calling for the replacement of seven members of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). CSPI claims that these members have close ties to the corporate community, including one member, Dr. Theresa Nicklas, who several years ago conducted non-proprietary research funded in part by the Sugar Association. To read the full article, access:

In an interview with Reuters’ reporter, Randy Fabi, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which issues the guidelines jointly with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) quickly responded. Alisa Harrison, USDA spokesperson, said, “”The members are well respected experts in their fields and will not be replaced.” She went on to say, “The process in updating the guidelines will be very transparent as all advisory committee meetings are open to the public.”

The Food and Nutrition Science Alliance (FANSA) weighed in heavily (100,000 strong) when they issued a joint statement, available at the selection of all 13 of the experts who serve on the 2005 DGAC. The FANSA is a partnership of four professional nutrition societies, the American Dietetic Association, the American Society for Clinical Nutrition, the American Society for Nutritional Sciences, and the Institute of Food Technologists.

USDA’s stance against CSPI coupled with support from an unbiased group of food, nutrition, medical practitioners and scientists effectively diminishes CSPI’s unfounded criticism.

See SAI’s perspective on the DGAC in the August 15, 2003, issue of Sugar E-News available on the “Members Only” section of at name: sugarmembers, Password: sucrose03).

Industry News …

Judy A. Bagley, New Chair of Public Relations Advisory Committee

Congratulations to Judy A. Bagley, Monitor Sugar Company, on her election as Chair of the Public Relations Advisory Committee (PRAC). With the resignation of Robert E. Martinelly who had been chair for over 10 years, the Committee was in need of new leadership who could help guide its work during a time when sugar is facing its greatest image and nutrition policy challenges. Judy stepped up to the plate and accepted the challenge. Her initiative, enthusiasm and commitment to the sugar industry are definite assets to PRAC. Her experienceand energy will facilitate the successful accomplishment of the challenges and opportunities facing the PRAC this year.

Please congratulate Judy and offer your support. Her contact information is listed below:

Ms. Judy A. Bagley

Monitor Sugar Company

2600 S. Euclid Avenue

Bay City, MI 48707

Phone: 989.686.0161 ext. 287

Fax: 989.686.2959

Email: