By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called on the national government to review policies governing the importation of artificial sweeteners, warning that rising volumes are putting sustained pressure on the country’s sugar industry while also raising consumer protection and public health concerns.

In a statement yesterday, Lacson said Negros Occidental — the Philippines’ leading sugar-producing province — is increasingly affected by the growing presence of high-intensity sweeteners in the local market.

Import data show that volumes of artificial sweeteners rose from 355,196 metric tons in 2021 to 448,499 metric tons in 2022, climbed further to 473,029 metric tons in 2023, and 493,048 metric tons in 2024, before settling at 427,523 metric tons in 2025.

“These volumes inevitably affect demand for locally produced sugar,” Lacson said, noting that the impact is felt across the value chain, from farmers and mill workers to transporters and small rural businesses that rely on the industry.

Beyond the economic implications, the governor underscored the need for a science-based assessment of public health risks linked to artificial sweeteners.

He cited guidance from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which allows the use of certain sweeteners, such as sucralose — known to be significantly sweeter than natural sugar — within established safety limits, while emphasizing moderation, proper labeling and informed consumer choice.

Lacson said the increasing use of high-intensity sweeteners highlights the importance of clear product labeling, strict compliance with acceptable daily intake standards, and closer scrutiny of the cumulative effects of long-term consumption, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups.

While recognizing the role of innovation in the food industry, the provincial government stressed the need for balanced regulation that protects public health without disproportionately disadvantaging local agricultural producers.

Lacson urged national agencies to review import volumes and classification of artificial sweeteners, strengthen coordination among economic and health authorities, including the DOH and FDA, and adopt measures that support the continued viability of the local sugar industry while safeguarding consumer welfare.

“Protecting the sugar industry of Negros Occidental is inseparable from protecting rural livelihoods, food security and public health,” Lacson said, expressing confidence that evidence-based policies and constructive dialogue can achieve a fair balance for both producers and consumers./CJ, WDJ