Cold drinks companies contest WHO guidelines on sweeteners

The debate over the use of sweeteners by the cold drinks and beverages companies is back again.

A lobby group representing Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Red Bull, Dabur, and Tetra Pak is of the view that recent World Health Organization guidelines on non-sugar sweeteners are not scientifically rigorous.

The global health body has said non-sugar sweeteners such as aspartame and stevia do not help in weight loss, while increasing risk of certain diseases. Health groups have called for restrictive use only messages on all foods and drinks with artificial sweeteners.

The sellers are saying it is a disservice to public health to not recognize the role of low or no-calorie sweeteners in reducing sugar intake.

Soda pop sellers are in a tizzy because restrictive use labels could impact sales. Citing a disservice to public health from firms that profit from supercharged sugary drinks does not really hold much water.