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In response to the "The sweet-low-down" sidebar in Carly Weeks' October 22 article on stevia, Canada's beverage industry and Refreshments Canada would like to offer the following information regarding non-nutritive sweeteners for your readers.

Aspartame is one of the most studied food ingredients in the world.  Its safety has been reviewed and confirmed repeatedly by Health Canada, the European Union Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).  In fact, in a May 2006 letter on the study you reference in your sidebar, Health Canada concluded "The overwhelming body of scientific evidence continues to support the safety of this sweetener (aspartame), when used according to the provisions of the Food and Drug Regulations".  Readers can access this letter at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/addit/sweeten-edulcor/aspartame_statement-eng.php.

Canadians should feel confident that non-nutritive sweeteners are not only safe, but provide a much needed alternative to the growing body of consumers seeking low- or no-calorie beverage options as part of a healthy diet.

The Canadian beverage industry's top priority is the quality and safety of its products and packaging and we employ rigorous standards that meet or exceed government requirements.

Refreshments Canada is the national trade association representing the broad spectrum of brands and companies that manufacture and distribute the majority of non-alcoholic liquid refreshment beverages consumed in Canada.

For more information contact:

Justin Sherwood
President
Refreshments Canada

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