ABA, RBA Oppose FDA's 'Added Sugars' Proposal – Cites Flawed Research

The American Bakers Association (ABA) partnered with the Retail Bakers of America (RBA) to strongly opposed the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) supplemental proposal on "added sugars" labeling and the establishment of a daily value in comments.

"FDA’s proposal to mandate an "added sugars" label and daily value are not supported by sufficient scientific evidence nor consumer research demonstrating its usefulness to the public and poses a risk of confusing consumers into choosing less healthful foods," said Lee Sanders, ABA Senior Vice President, Government Relation and Public Affairs.

“Even FDA’s own analysis of its consumer research shows it would add to the confusion of America’s families,” said ABA President & CEO, Robb MacKie.

In its comments, ABA and RBA questioned the Agency’s statutory authority to require or enforce the proposal, and voiced significant concerns regarding procedural gaps in its nutrition facts panel rule making process; including providing sufficient notice, time for comment, and express comment scope limitations.

"FDA does not have authority under the supplemental proposal to disregard comments that identify issues directly related to nutrition facts panel rulemaking as a whole," noted Ms. Sanders. 

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About the American Bakers Association:

The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 1000 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $102 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 706,000 highly skilled people.

Source: American Bakers Association