WHO Warns Against Using Artificial Sweeteners

[Rfisher]

Almost all hot cocoa mixes have aspartame and do not disclose it other than the fine print on the back.
I would like a law requiring anything with it to be labeled as to what it contains on the front in a readable font size.

X100 on your labeling statement.


I’ve been getting Hollander brand (hot cocoa mix, sweet ground chocolate and white chocolate powder - they all make fantastic hot cocoa drinks and more) for for quite awhile now, due to their ingredient list.
I just offset consumption by going for quality over quantity. Same for ice cream ingredients.

 

[lovedogs]

I think some if it depends on quantity. I have 2 cups of coffee per day, each with 1 packet of splenda. And maybe drink 1 'pepsi zero' per day.

I don't argue that it's "healthy" or that it does anything for weight loss (data shows it largely doesn't).

 

[dk168]

Never knowingly buy or drink drinks with artificial sweetener in them as I don't like their tastes.

DK

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Almost all hot cocoa mixes have aspartame and do not disclose it other than the fine print on the back.
I would like a law requiring anything with it to be labeled as to what it contains on the front in a readable font size.

online shopping does have its advanatges because you can bring up the ingrediants
in store you need to fish around for one's glasses
aspartame does have a yucky aftertaste

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

im greatful i have always hated all colas

 

[Missy]

I hope it is OK to add this to the thread. It is related to the topic at hand

https://www.mdlinx.com/article/california-and-new-york-want-to-ban-five-dangerous-food-additives-to-protect-peoples-health/6ZJlqQLtmV5SQipobITxYF?show_order=2&utm_campaign=reg_evening-edition_230517_daily-nl-pm-v3_registered-users-a90&utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email

"
California and New York want to ban five dangerous food additives to protect people’s health
By Claire Wolters | Fact-checked by Davi Sherman | Published May 2, 2023
Key Takeaways

California or New York could be the first US state to ban five dangerous additives from food products.

The proposed ban isn’t new and comes years after a European ban.

Still, experts say the ban could significantly reduce dietary health risks for state residents.

California and New York senators have proposed bills to ban the use of five common food additives—moves that could eliminate several candies and processed food items from grocery store shelves and potentially some[1] health risks for consumers.[2]

The bans include food additives Red Dye No. 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben. These have been linked to various health risks, such as cancer, harm to the immune system, and harm to the reproductive system.

“The five chemicals identified in this bill are some of the worst of the worst,” says Lillian Zhou, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Stabile Law Fellow. “They all pose public health harms, including increased risk of cancer, harm to the reproductive system and harm to the immune system.”

They’ve also been banned by the European Union, starting with a panel discussion to ban four (Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben) in 2008.[3] Titanium dioxide was most recently banned by the EU, effective since mid-2022. And some companies that sell products with additives in the US sell the same products without additives in the EU. Depending on how you look at it, this could raise the alarm or indicate an increased chance that these additives will be removed from products in the US, too.

“Companies that sell the same products to European and American markets have already made safer versions to comply with EU standards,” says Zhou.

What foods contain these additives?

Several foods contain the additives that California and New York are trying to ban. For example:

Red Dye No. 3 is a food coloring used in many artificially colored drinks and other foods.
Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment. It can be found in a range of milks, coffee creamers, and sauces.
Potassium bromate is an oxidizing agent found in baked doughs, such as bread.
Brominated vegetable oil is an additive used in sodas and other beverages.
Propylparaben has been found in many processed foods, including specific branded items like Sara Lee cinnamon rolls, Weight Watchers cakes, and La Banderita Corn Tortillas, according to research by the EWG.
As demonstrated above, these chemicals are abundant in colored and processed foods, posing more acute risks to young children who are attracted to vibrant snacks.

“Because of the foods these chemicals are commonly found in, children are likely being exposed at higher rates than adults,” Zhou says.

Various factors, including children’s still-developing organs and detoxifying systems, as well as their lower weights, make them especially vulnerable to chemical exposure, according to the EWG. Fetuses can also be vulnerable to exposure through the umbilical cord.[4]

Will other states follow these moves?

If California’s or New York’s bills are approved, they could be implemented in 2025. Zhou suspects this change could prompt other states to follow suit, moving toward a healthier future.[5]

“We do expect that if the ban is implemented in California that we would see a ripple effect across the country, bringing regulation in the United States up to the same standards as in the European Union,” says Zhou.

Eating for the future

Regardless of California’s or New York’s dietary future, it is a good idea to be mindful of chemicals in our food. Reminding patients that what they eat impacts their health—not just their weight but also their exposure to harmful chemicals—can help them make mindful choices about their food intake.

“Food and food ingredients present an almost unimaginable number of opportunities for foodborne pathogens to be introduced into the marketplace and consumers’ homes,” says Dr. Vanessa R. Coffman, Director of the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, an organization that advocates for food safety. “Every ingredient, whether it is a primary ingredient, an additive, or found in trace amounts, should be safe for consumers. When that standard is not met, as many of our constituents know, the consequences can be life-altering.”

What this means for you

California and New York are proposing bills to ban five dangerous additives from food products. The move comes more than a decade after the European Union banned these additives, ahead of the rest of the United States. Environmental safety groups say the proposal could significantly improve Americans’ dietary health.
Sources (5)

"

 

[nala]

I think some if it depends on quantity. I have 2 cups of coffee per day, each with 1 packet of splenda. And maybe drink 1 'pepsi zero' per day.

I don't argue that it's "healthy" or that it does anything for weight loss (data shows it largely doesn't).

This is me! Actually one half packet and one half diet pepsi per day. I don’t plan to change my sweetner at this point. How about you?

 

[lovedogs]

This is me! Actually one half packet and one half diet pepsi per day. I don’t plan to change my sweetner at this point. How about you?

Nope, I don't either. In high quantities it's not good, but I think tons of stuff is that way (alcohol, other chemicals). The consumption that we are talking about isn't that the WHO is warning about (in my opinion).

 

[Gloria27]

Nope, I don't either. In high quantities it's not good, but I think tons of stuff is that way (alcohol, other chemicals). The consumption that we are talking about isn't that the WHO is warning about (in my opinion).

IMO Google the half life of whatever you are using and see how long it takes to leave the system because it could be building up in the body.

 

[Gloria27]

RED ALERT

Pepsi is now selling normal pepsi that's half fake sugar!

Got a bottle yesterday, believed it was pepsi max instead of normal pepsi judging by the taste. I thought maybe there was a mistake at the factory when being labelled or something. Today I checked the ingredients and it is half fake sugar and half sugar.
I had to google it, no mistake! I've read there was a sugar shortage coming and pepsi was off the shelves for a while, well now it's back and it's c$%p
Hubby is writing an angry email to them right now.

Mo$£$%^^kers!

 

[pearlsngems]

RED ALERT

Pepsi is now selling normal pepsi that's half fake sugar!

Got a bottle yesterday, believed it was pepsi max instead of normal pepsi judging by the taste. I thought maybe there was a mistake at the factory when being labelled or something. Today I checked the ingredients and it is half fake sugar and half sugar.
I had to google it, no mistake! I've read there was a sugar shortage coming and pepsi was off the shelves for a while, well now it's back and it's c$%p
Hubby is writing an angry email to them right now.

Mo$£$%^^kers!

What fake sugar is listed on the label?

 

[Gloria27]

What fake sugar is listed on the label?

Ace-K and Sucralose

and my freakin' stomach hurts!

It's just not my day today, bought Fajita sauce that had some Cilantro in it, unlisted in the ingredients, gross... nope, it was Enchilada sauce...not my day...

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Wow sucralose in Pepsi, thanks for the heads up @Gloria27. I guess it will be the occasional Coke or lucky for us in CT we have locally made cola, Foxon Park.

 

[Gloria27]

Wow sucralose in Pepsi, thanks for the heads up @Gloria27. I guess it will be the occasional Coke or lucky for us in CT we have locally made cola, Foxon Park.

I'm going to get a can of coke today, I really want the real taste.
I don't drink it everyday anyway.

 

[Rfisher]

Ace-K and Sucralose

If a company is choosing whether to increase purchase price, or change formula due to cane sugar costs -
I’d rather pay more. And drink it less often.
But if given a choice of artificial sweetener or HFCS to lower their cost, I think I’d pick HFCS.
I think.
The off taste of any artificial sweeteners is just too off putting. Even the natural ones, imo.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I really wish this big companies would take the high fructose corn syrup out of their colas, cola can be made without it, so there is no reason to use it IMO.

Generally I try to buy products with the least ingredients possible and inevitably they cost more. It’s a backwards world for sure.

 

[Rfisher]

I really wish this big companies would take the high fructose corn syrup out of their colas, cola can be made without it, so there is no reason to use it IMO.

Generally I try to buy products with the least ingredients possible and inevitably they cost more. It’s a backwards world for sure.

I absolutely agree with you!

 

[Gloria27]

If a company is choosing whether to increase purchase price, or change formula due to cane sugar costs -
I’d rather pay more. And drink it less often.
But if given a choice of artificial sweetener or HFCS to lower their cost, I think I’d pick HFCS.
I think.
The off taste of any artificial sweeteners is just too off putting. Even the natural ones, imo.

Yes, me too, I don't wanna put that crap in my body. Just been through a cancer scare these past two weeks, got my results today, all good. Phew!

and I had that coke I wanted at a local cafe, full on sugaaah!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I hope it is OK to add this to the thread. It is related to the topic at hand

https://www.mdlinx.com/article/california-and-new-york-want-to-ban-five-dangerous-food-additives-to-protect-peoples-health/6ZJlqQLtmV5SQipobITxYF?show_order=2&utm_campaign=reg_evening-edition_230517_daily-nl-pm-v3_registered-users-a90&utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email

"
California and New York want to ban five dangerous food additives to protect people’s health
By Claire Wolters | Fact-checked by Davi Sherman | Published May 2, 2023
Key Takeaways

California or New York could be the first US state to ban five dangerous additives from food products.

The proposed ban isn’t new and comes years after a European ban.

Still, experts say the ban could significantly reduce dietary health risks for state residents.

California and New York senators have proposed bills to ban the use of five common food additives—moves that could eliminate several candies and processed food items from grocery store shelves and potentially some[1] health risks for consumers.[2]

The bans include food additives Red Dye No. 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben. These have been linked to various health risks, such as cancer, harm to the immune system, and harm to the reproductive system.

“The five chemicals identified in this bill are some of the worst of the worst,” says Lillian Zhou, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Stabile Law Fellow. “They all pose public health harms, including increased risk of cancer, harm to the reproductive system and harm to the immune system.”

They’ve also been banned by the European Union, starting with a panel discussion to ban four (Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben) in 2008.[3] Titanium dioxide was most recently banned by the EU, effective since mid-2022. And some companies that sell products with additives in the US sell the same products without additives in the EU. Depending on how you look at it, this could raise the alarm or indicate an increased chance that these additives will be removed from products in the US, too.

“Companies that sell the same products to European and American markets have already made safer versions to comply with EU standards,” says Zhou.

What foods contain these additives?

Several foods contain the additives that California and New York are trying to ban. For example:

Red Dye No. 3 is a food coloring used in many artificially colored drinks and other foods.
Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment. It can be found in a range of milks, coffee creamers, and sauces.
Potassium bromate is an oxidizing agent found in baked doughs, such as bread.
Brominated vegetable oil is an additive used in sodas and other beverages.
Propylparaben has been found in many processed foods, including specific branded items like Sara Lee cinnamon rolls, Weight Watchers cakes, and La Banderita Corn Tortillas, according to research by the EWG.
As demonstrated above, these chemicals are abundant in colored and processed foods, posing more acute risks to young children who are attracted to vibrant snacks.

“Because of the foods these chemicals are commonly found in, children are likely being exposed at higher rates than adults,” Zhou says.

Various factors, including children’s still-developing organs and detoxifying systems, as well as their lower weights, make them especially vulnerable to chemical exposure, according to the EWG. Fetuses can also be vulnerable to exposure through the umbilical cord.[4]

Will other states follow these moves?

If California’s or New York’s bills are approved, they could be implemented in 2025. Zhou suspects this change could prompt other states to follow suit, moving toward a healthier future.[5]

“We do expect that if the ban is implemented in California that we would see a ripple effect across the country, bringing regulation in the United States up to the same standards as in the European Union,” says Zhou.

Eating for the future

Regardless of California’s or New York’s dietary future, it is a good idea to be mindful of chemicals in our food. Reminding patients that what they eat impacts their health—not just their weight but also their exposure to harmful chemicals—can help them make mindful choices about their food intake.

“Food and food ingredients present an almost unimaginable number of opportunities for foodborne pathogens to be introduced into the marketplace and consumers’ homes,” says Dr. Vanessa R. Coffman, Director of the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, an organization that advocates for food safety. “Every ingredient, whether it is a primary ingredient, an additive, or found in trace amounts, should be safe for consumers. When that standard is not met, as many of our constituents know, the consequences can be life-altering.”

What this means for you

California and New York are proposing bills to ban five dangerous additives from food products. The move comes more than a decade after the European Union banned these additives, ahead of the rest of the United States. Environmental safety groups say the proposal could significantly improve Americans’ dietary health.
Sources (5)

"

what a scary read
hope the ban goes through

 

[kenny]

I really wish this big companies would take the high fructose corn syrup out of their colas, cola can be made without it, so there is no reason to use it IMO.

There is a reason.
It's cheaper than sugar.

 

[rainydaze]

Also... the US gov't subsidizes corn farmers/crops. Corn is a huge crop in the US, with lots of money to be made from keeping it going. HFCS provides a booming need for it. Round and round we go.

 

[Karl_K]

I hope it is OK to add this to the thread. It is related to the topic at hand

https://www.mdlinx.com/article/california-and-new-york-want-to-ban-five-dangerous-food-additives-to-protect-peoples-health/6ZJlqQLtmV5SQipobITxYF?show_order=2&utm_campaign=reg_evening-edition_230517_daily-nl-pm-v3_registered-users-a90&utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email

"
California and New York want to ban five dangerous food additives to protect people’s health
By Claire Wolters | Fact-checked by Davi Sherman | Published May 2, 2023
Key Takeaways

California or New York could be the first US state to ban five dangerous additives from food products.

The proposed ban isn’t new and comes years after a European ban.

Still, experts say the ban could significantly reduce dietary health risks for state residents.

California and New York senators have proposed bills to ban the use of five common food additives—moves that could eliminate several candies and processed food items from grocery store shelves and potentially some[1] health risks for consumers.[2]

The bans include food additives Red Dye No. 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben. These have been linked to various health risks, such as cancer, harm to the immune system, and harm to the reproductive system.

“The five chemicals identified in this bill are some of the worst of the worst,” says Lillian Zhou, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Stabile Law Fellow. “They all pose public health harms, including increased risk of cancer, harm to the reproductive system and harm to the immune system.”

They’ve also been banned by the European Union, starting with a panel discussion to ban four (Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben) in 2008.[3] Titanium dioxide was most recently banned by the EU, effective since mid-2022. And some companies that sell products with additives in the US sell the same products without additives in the EU. Depending on how you look at it, this could raise the alarm or indicate an increased chance that these additives will be removed from products in the US, too.

“Companies that sell the same products to European and American markets have already made safer versions to comply with EU standards,” says Zhou.

What foods contain these additives?

Several foods contain the additives that California and New York are trying to ban. For example:

Red Dye No. 3 is a food coloring used in many artificially colored drinks and other foods.
Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment. It can be found in a range of milks, coffee creamers, and sauces.
Potassium bromate is an oxidizing agent found in baked doughs, such as bread.
Brominated vegetable oil is an additive used in sodas and other beverages.
Propylparaben has been found in many processed foods, including specific branded items like Sara Lee cinnamon rolls, Weight Watchers cakes, and La Banderita Corn Tortillas, according to research by the EWG.
As demonstrated above, these chemicals are abundant in colored and processed foods, posing more acute risks to young children who are attracted to vibrant snacks.

“Because of the foods these chemicals are commonly found in, children are likely being exposed at higher rates than adults,” Zhou says.

Various factors, including children’s still-developing organs and detoxifying systems, as well as their lower weights, make them especially vulnerable to chemical exposure, according to the EWG. Fetuses can also be vulnerable to exposure through the umbilical cord.[4]

Will other states follow these moves?

If California’s or New York’s bills are approved, they could be implemented in 2025. Zhou suspects this change could prompt other states to follow suit, moving toward a healthier future.[5]

“We do expect that if the ban is implemented in California that we would see a ripple effect across the country, bringing regulation in the United States up to the same standards as in the European Union,” says Zhou.

Eating for the future

Regardless of California’s or New York’s dietary future, it is a good idea to be mindful of chemicals in our food. Reminding patients that what they eat impacts their health—not just their weight but also their exposure to harmful chemicals—can help them make mindful choices about their food intake.

“Food and food ingredients present an almost unimaginable number of opportunities for foodborne pathogens to be introduced into the marketplace and consumers’ homes,” says Dr. Vanessa R. Coffman, Director of the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, an organization that advocates for food safety. “Every ingredient, whether it is a primary ingredient, an additive, or found in trace amounts, should be safe for consumers. When that standard is not met, as many of our constituents know, the consequences can be life-altering.”

What this means for you

California and New York are proposing bills to ban five dangerous additives from food products. The move comes more than a decade after the European Union banned these additives, ahead of the rest of the United States. Environmental safety groups say the proposal could significantly improve Americans’ dietary health.
Sources (5)

"

I wish IL would pass that.
I have a mild allergic reaction to red #3 and know an entire family that is deadly allergic to it.
It is in everything and the most unexpected things.
A lot of medications have it in it or on it.
Some generic benadryl tablets have it the branded ones now use red #27 which has fewer people allergic to it.

 

[lambskin]

Has anyone heard WHY there is or will be a sugar shortage? I stockpile the stuff in the fall and winter months when it is on sale …cheap.. for baking. Other than sugar cane and beets are there other sources?

 

[lambskin]

I wish IL would pass that.
I have a mild allergic reaction to red #3 and know an entire family that is deadly allergic to it.
It is in everything and the most unexpected things.
A lot of medications have it in it or on it.
Some generic benadryl tablets have it the branded ones now use red #27 which has fewer people allergic to it.

Gosh, pretty ironic that Benadryl used a food coloring that caused an allergic reaction as it is prescribed to alleviate allergic symptoms!

 

[kenny]

Americans should all move to Europe.

 

[seaurchin]

We use artificial sugars in drinks because the real sugars make husband and I both quickly get sore, irritated gums. We already both have to floss twice a day due to sore gums (under the gumline) as it is, even without sugar in drinks.

I think the sugar draws bacteria and that's what irritates under the gumline. This started a few years ago for both of us but I don't think I've heard anyone else mention it.

 

[pearlsngems]

@seaurchin, my dentist gave me a sample of Parodontax toothpaste which contains stannous fluoride (instead of the more common sodium fluoride.) Stannous fluoride is supposedly more effective at reducing bacteria at the gum line and thus preventing plaque. I found It helped when I was trying to heal a problem with gums around my lower front teeth.

 

[seaurchin]

Thanks, Pearlsngems. I'll definitely try it!

 

[Arcadian]

I think some if it depends on quantity. I have 2 cups of coffee per day, each with 1 packet of splenda. And maybe drink 1 'pepsi zero' per day.

I don't argue that it's "healthy" or that it does anything for weight loss (data shows it largely doesn't).

Not giving up coffee or my little packet of splenda. No sunshine without coffee, and I can't drink it without milk and splenda.

 

[AprilBaby]

I’m going to die of Diet Coke.