- On July 15, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a draft guideline titled “Use of Non-sugar Sweeteners.” WHO is seeking public comments on the draft guideline. Those interested in submitting must do so by the August 14, 2022 deadline.
- Based on what WHO describes as a “systematic review that assessed the health effects of higher compared to lower intake of non-sugar sweeteners,” the guideline document provides a “conditional” recommendation against using non-sugar sweeteners to achieve weight control or to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Notably, WHO prominently acknowledged that the recommendation “is based on evidence of low certainty overall….”
- The guideline’s target audience includes policymakers, health professionals, scientists, and food industry representatives. However, any interested party may submit a comment at WHO’s website. WHO notes that it particularly seeks comments on issues like potentially missing information, contextual issues, and implications for implementing the guideline.