Solon seeks ban on artificial sweetener

MANILA, Philippines – Citing health hazards, a party-list lawmaker has filed a measure proposing to penalize manufacturers or distributors of the artificial sweetener aspartame. In a statement on Thursday, ARC party-list Representative Narciso Santiago III said he filed House Bill 4747 because aspartame reportedly causes several adverse health effects, including seizures and even deaths. Aspartame accounts for 75 percent of the reactions to food additives reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration, said Santiago. Among the 90 documented symptoms from the sweetener include headaches, dizziness, seizures, insomnia, vision problems, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, joint pains, and muscle spasms, he added. Citing scientific studies, the party-list solon further said ingesting aspartame can trigger or worsen the following chronic illnesses: brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, mental retardation, lymphoma, birth defects, fibromyalgia, and diabetes. Santiago’s bill proposes to ban aspartame in food, beverage, and drugs including cereals, desserts, drink mixes, table top sweeteners, and medicine and vitamin supplements. If approved, a P100,000-P500,000 fine will be imposed on law violators. Santiago said his bill is in line with the State’s policy “to establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory system and undertake appropriate health manpower development and research, responsive to the country’s health needs and problems." -Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV