Sugar millers back changes to synthetic sweetener law

MANILA, Philippines — Local sugar millers are in favor of amending the country’s regulation on synthetic sweeteners, noting that the continued influx of synthetic sugar substitutes threaten domestic sugar producers.

In a statement, the Philippine Sugar Millers Association (PSMA) expressed its support to  proposed measures that would amend Republic Act 10659, or the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA).

The group said the largely unregulated influx of synthetic sugar poses a threat to the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the country’s sugar industry, noting that any amendments are necessary to establish a balanced framework for locally produced sugar.

PSMA executive director Jesus Barrera said artificial sweeteners are not subject to any government regulations on supply, warehousing, withdrawals, inter-island movement and market distribution, which are imposed on local sugar.

“Despite this regulatory disparity, synthetic sweeteners are extensively used in food and beverage products that directly compete with locally produced sugar,” he said.

Barrera added that there are no consumption guidelines for chemical or synthetic sweeteners, despite potential risks raised by the World Health Organization on the use of non-sugar sweeteners.

Local sugar consumption is guided by recommendations from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

Separate bills have been filed in Congress looking to amend the SIDA law by increasing government funding for sugar producers to P5 billion from P2 billion annually.

The proposed measure also seeks to expand the powers of the Sugar Regulatory Administration to manage sugar substitutes.

The PSMA also stressed the importance of prioritizing the country’s sugar industry over importation, noting that imports should only be approved as a “last resort” during times when local supply is unable to meet national demand.

It added that policies should be focused on strengthening domestic production and ensuring that fair market conditions prevail as a means to protect the industry from market volatility, sustain livelihoods and promote supply security.