Season's Greetings from the New CFH President

Update on the Sugar v. Splenda Lawsuit

December 19, 2007 - For my family and me, the holidays are the best of times and worst of times. The celebrations are great, but it’s no coincidence to me that the holidays are followed by a season of flu, colds and other illnesses. Many believe, as I do, that holiday stress, “cheer” and extra goodies make our bodies fertile ground for illness this time of year.  I’m especially sensitive as a father of 5 about what the kids put into their bodies these days.

So, as a health-conscious adult, father and lawyer, I’m especially interested in the recent news out of Los Angeles about the lawsuit brought by the Sugar Association against the makers of Splenda, McNeil Nutritionals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Many of you know about the “Splenda issue” from articles and links on our CFH website, as well as from other sources. Because sucralose and Splenda are advertised as a good and healthy alternative to sugar in baked goods and other treats, this is an especially timely issue. So, here’s the update: 

• First, as you may know, the Sugar Association is seeking unspecified damages from the manufacturing subsidiaries of Johnson & Johnson, based on the contention that the Splenda manufacturers engaged in deceptive advertising with their slogans: "Made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar" and "Good for the Whole Family." The sugar folks also contend that the sweetening ingredient in Splenda is made via a process that yields a number of reportable toxins, including "phosgene gas – a deadly weapon that was used during World War II." 
• Recently, the Splenda manufacturers sought to have the case dismissed. But just two weeks ago, the federal judge said the case will go to the jury.  This means that unless Splenda and Sugar come to an settlement agreement, a jury – and therefore the whole public – will hear the truth about Splenda, its manufacturing process and the honesty of the representations that the Splenda manufacturers make about their product.
• This case may also shine some light on the FDA’s responsibilities and whether the FDA has – or has not – done its job when it comes to artificial sweeteners, among other things.

We’ll continue to report about developments in this lawsuit and about the “Splenda issue” generally. In the meantime, this situation is a reminder of the responsibility we have to ourselves and to our loved ones to self-educate over and over again about the products we’re offered and the products we consume. Because too many commercial interests are working against our self-education, we at CFH will continue to work to bring you the news of policies, laws and events that affect your health choices. As always, we need your support. 

So, keep an eye out for Senior Policy Advisor James J. Gormley’s continuing articles on this website and elsewhere. Watch for news and action alerts from our Executive Director Frank Herd, and hear him once a month on Dr. Steve Monkiewicz’s podcast “Real Health.” Listen to the weekly internet radio broadcast “Of Consuming Interest” by Citizens for Health Chairman Jim Turner every Friday at 2 p.m. Eastern time on Gary Null’s Progressive Radio Network, and keep spreading the word about the value of protecting responsible health choices.

And especially this time of year, have a happy—and healthy—holiday!    

Be well.

Michael McCormack, CFH Board President