Beware of 'magic sugar'

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Are you sweet-toothed? Do you feel the urge to add more sweetener to your coffee or juice drink? If you do, you might have to think twice, according to the Bureau of Food and Drugs in Region 7, that reiterated its warning recently against the use of the illegal sweetener known as "magic sugar" which, it claims, causes cancer.

Known as neotogen, it is a cheaper and sweeter substitute than cane sugar and has been used by some vendors selling juice drinks. Because neotogen or magic sugar is not registered with the BFAD, then its importation, distribution, or sale is illegal and, therefore, prohibited. As early as 2000, the so-called magic sugar has been prohibited "due to evidence of its carcinogenicity in animals."

In Dumaguete, vendors who are reportedly use magic sugar proliferate near the city's elementary and high schools primarily because juice drinks are highly popular among school children. As the children have learned, juice drinks are better than carbonated drinks, little knowing the danger that lurks in that enticing cold drink.

As part of the Nutrition Month celebration in Negros Oriental, the regional BFAD has urged local consumers to report incidents of vendors suspected of using magic sugar. The BFAD will then coordinate with the City Health Office and the Sanitary Health Inspector, and conduct an ocular inspection of the suspected premises or establishment.

While we consciously take care of our bodies, it is unfortunate that unscrupulous individuals prey on unsuspecting people, in the process even making a huge profit out of their patronage.

However, while the efforts of the BFAD Region 7 in curbing the use of magic sugar is laudable, it would be more prudent if they conduct an ocular inspection and preliminary investigation if they receive reports of such usage, rather than wait until a complaint is written to the regional office. It is better to be preemptive than be sorry later on.*