An Idea Stolen. Is it Good?
The idea in question is not a creative one. Not one that ought to be subject to copyright. But it has been somewhat misappropriated.
?? ? Here it is:
Beware of ‘No Added Sugar’ ! Posted by me in September 2015. The date is of some significance. The gist of that contribution is the likelihood that such a product would contain sweeteners.? ? ?
That likelihood, combined with the fact that quantities of an ‘isolated phenylalanine’ (i.phe) agent (neotame) was being promoted on the internet, for sale in bags and in sachets - no knowledge of who was buying and how it was being used - demanded action for clear labelling.
?? In this context I will not repeat the indisputable facts, not opinions, that leave no room for argument.
However, some dates are relevant. I use dates of when I became aware of the event, the precise dates may vary according to regulations applied in different countries:
2011, the introduction to the market of neotame (a concentrated derivative of aspartame)
2014, the introduction of advantame (a mixture of aspartame and vanillin)
2016 the SDIL; key feature of a health policy to promote ‘diet drinks’, with a plan to extend to other foods generally consumed by children.
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January 2025 a letter from the Department of Health & Social Care (via my local MP) gave the advice that words such as ‘no added sugar’, ‘diet’ and ‘reduced calorie’ … would indicate to the consumer that they should look at the label.
Is it good? In part. It is good that someone is listening. Another date:
November 2012 a letter direct from the Department of Health (my local MP was not supportive) stated about labelling of neotame … I regret that this does not fall within the remit of the Department of Health.
Is it good that the idea to read labels carefully has been adopted as the answer to clear labelling of all use of isolated phenylalanine? Most definitely NOT!
Earlier this month (22nd) in the piece Democratising Food, or Disguising Facts & Diminishing Choice? I gave the example of a jam, VEGAN writ large, neotame writ small. So, an example of an extra description that would indicate a read of the label to be necessary.
But, last but not least is this important point; a clear symbol, I suggest i.phe written within a circle, on all products that have used i.phe would greatly simplify matters and enable choice.
?? ? A symbol would negate the need to memorise all the E numbers, names of current agents/trade names of those agents; know of new ones that could come onto the market at any time. ‘Look at the label’ advice just doesn’t cut it!