Lacson raises concern on economic, health impacts of sweeteners

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson raised concerns on the implications of the increasing imports of artificial sweeteners to economic sustainability, consumer protection, and public health.

“As the country’s major sugar-producing province, we are particularly concerned about recent developments in the local sugar and sweetener market,” he said in a statement.

Import data on Tuesday showed the volume of unregulated artificial sweeteners entering the country has steadily increased from only 355,196 metric tons in 2021 to 427,523 metric tons in 2025.

“For sugar-producing provinces like Negros Occidental, these volumes inevitably affect demand for locally produced sugar,” Lacson said.

He said this move puts pressure on prices and income across the value chain, including farmers, mill workers, transporters, and small rural enterprises.

Negros Occidental alone contributes about 60 percent to the national sugar production.

Lacson said that aside from the economic impact, “a public health aspect warrants careful, science-based consideration, consistent with the principles upheld by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)”.

He said certain artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, which is 600 times sweeter than natural sugar, are permitted for use within established safety limits, although “the DOH and FDA aligned guidance consistently emphasizes the importance of moderation, proper labeling, and informed consumer choice”.

Lacson said that with the increasing presence of high-intensity sweeteners in the food supply, there is a need to ensure that consumers are clearly informed through accurate labeling; products comply strictly with acceptable daily intake and safety standards; and the cumulative effects of widespread and long-term consumption are addressed.

As such, the governor called on the national government and concerned agencies to review import volumes and policies governing artificial sweeteners as well as ensure proper classification.

He also sought to strengthen coordination among economic and health agencies in assessing market and consumption impacts.

“Adopt measures that support the continued viability of the local sugar industry while safeguarding consumer welfare,” he added.* (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)