Safety Concern |
||||
|
|
||||
|
Consumers continue to be concerned about the safety of
sugar substitutes and fat replacers. The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) requires extensive studies on any new
(and currently used) substitute. Products are studied based
on their intended use and audience, and they are studied in
areas relating to toxicity, safety issues, and problems
associated with reproduction, metabolism, allergies, and
cancer. In addition, the FDA examines how the product is made
and how it will be processed and used. Through all this
testing, determinations and guidelines are set regarding
acceptable limits on the use of these products. Keep in mind that consumers are responsible for their own consumption of products as well. Although a product may be promoted and advertised as safe, it is up to consumers to determine for themselves what products may or may not work. If adverse reactions are observed following use of a particular product, consumers should seek adequate care to determine the cause. Foods containing sugar substitutes and fat replacers indeed can be beneficial to many consumers—if and only if they are used as a substitute and not as an addition to a diet containing high-sugar and high-fat foods, too. As part of an overall healthy eating plan, though, these substitutes can offer an effective means to reducing ov erall calories and fat in the diet. |
||||
|
||||
