“SOFTDRINK makers should inform consumers what sweeteners they use in their products so that consumers will know whether what they are drinking is good or bad for their health.”
This was the call Thursday of Enrique Rojas, president of National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP), in view of the large-scale importation of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) by companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola. These HFCS are produced from genetically-modified corn.
“Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) are banned in most countries because of their harmful effects on health. In fact, 64 countries, including the entire European Union, Australia and Japan, require that manufacturers should indicate whether their products contain GMO ingredients or not,” Rojas pointed out.
He added: “To protect the health of our consumers and to give them an educated choice on the products they buy, we are asking beverage makers to be transparent and inform their consumers if their product contains HFCS derived from GMO corn.”
Rojas also emphasized that Negros Occidental has an existing ordinance which bans GMOs as well as products containing GMO ingredients.
“We support the stand of Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. against the use of HFCS in softdrinks and the continued ban of GMOs and GMO-containing products from our province,” he added.
“Negros Island is making a name for itself as the organic capital of the country. The entry of these products containing HFCS derived from GMO corn endangers the reputation of Negros as an organic island,” Rojas further said.
The issue against HFCS took center stage when the millgate price of locally produced sugar dropped last week.
Producers blamed the drop in sugar prices on the importation by softdrink makers of huge volumes of HFCS, citing that the use of HFCS by softdrink makers displaces the demand for locally-produced sugar.
“The continued importation and use of HFCS is not only detrimental to the health of our consumers but it is also destroying our economy by killing the sugar industry and the millions of Filipinos dependent on it,” Rojas added. (PR)