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Letter to the Editor (Globe & Mail)


Refreshments Canada wishes to provide Globe readers factual information which is missing from your recent article on the Toronto District School Board and the Refreshments Canada's "Industry Guidelines for the Sale of Beverages in Schools".

Aspartame is one of the most studied food ingredients in the world, having been subjected to over 200 studies world wide and having its use reviewed by every major food safety authority around the world including the USA Food and Drug Authority, the Scientific Committee for Food of the European Community, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and 91 governments.  After reviewing the available information and science on this food ingredient, Health Canada has stated "There is no evidence to suggest that the consumption of foods containing this sweetener, according to the provisions of the Food and Drug Regulations and as part of a well-balanced diet, would pose a health hazard to consumers" (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/addit/sweeten-edulcor/aspartame-eng.php).

The safety of aspartame notwithstanding, the industry guidelines currently being implemented on a North American basis, and supported by such prestigious and respected groups as the American Heart Association  and the William J. Clinton Foundation, provide a range of age appropriate beverages for sale in North American schools while reducing the total calories of available choices.  This means that in elementary and middle schools only 100% unsweetened juices in a smaller package size, bottled water and milk are available, while in high schools, a slightly broader range of 100% unsweetened juices, bottled water, no-and-low calorie beverages and milk are available.  No and low calorie beverages means beverages sweetened with sugar, sucralose, aspartame or another non-nutritive sweetener with less than 70 calories per 250 ml.  

Childhood obesity is a real and complex problem and it is critical that we act responsibly and in accordance to the recommendations of Health Canada. Characterizing this positive industry initiative to help lower calories in schools as ‘aspartame or nothing' is inaccurate and irresponsible.

Justin Sherwood
President
Refreshments Canada

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