Posted: Wednesday, April 1, 1998

PRESS RELEASE
Publication Date: April 1, 1998

New York, NY. April 1, 1998—The American Council on Science and Health (ACSH), a consortium of more than 250 scientists and physicians today applauded approval of the use of a new noncaloric sweetener, sucralose, by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

“This approval significantly broadens the dietary choices of Americans ” stated Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, president of ACSH.

Sucralose is made from table sugar, or sucrose, which is then slightly modified to make it even sweeter and able to resist metabolism by the body. The resulting compound is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar, and thus can be used in truly tiny amounts to sweeten a wide variety of foods.

Unlike some other alternative sweeteners, sucralose does not break down when heated. This ability to withstand high temperatures will allow food producers and consumers to use sucralose in cooking and baking a wide variety of foods. It will also be available as a table-top sweetener.

After reviewing over 100 studies of humans or animals, the FDA found no evidence that sucralose would have any toxic effects—whether carcinogenic, reproductive or neurologic. Stated ACSH director of nutrition Dr. Ruth Kava, “Approval of sucralose is a real step in the right direction.”

For more information about sucralose, see the ACSH booklet Low-Calorie Sweeteners under Publications, or contact Dr. Elizabeth M. Whelan, president or Dr. Ruth Kava, director of nutrition. ACSH is a consortium of over 250 scientists and physicians.