Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:50:00 03/20/2010
MANILA, Philippines—The Manila government has taken measures against the substance called “magic sugar” which is being used as an artificial sweetener.
According to Dr. Loraine Sanchez, city health officer, apart from an information drive on the substance and the risks it poses to one's health, the authorities are closely coordinating with police and barangay officials in monitoring vendors selling or using the substance in food or drinks they sell.
She said lectures by sanitary officers are also being given to students in a bid to stop them from patronizing vendors suspected of using the illegal substance.
“We also encourage parents to just prepare homemade nutritious snacks for their kids to prevent them from buying foods outside the schools,” Sanchez added.
The city government likewise intensified its monitoring of sanitary and environmental sanitation permits among hawkers in Manila, she said.
Police and city officials warned that vendors caught using or selling magic sugar may be charged with violation of Republic Act 3720 or the Foods, Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Act.
Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral had earlier cautioned the public against the use of magic sugar allegedly being smuggled into the country.
She described magic sugar as an artificial sugar also called sodium cyclamate that could cause dizziness, vomiting and stomach ache.
“It is banned in the United States because of some studies that show that it increases the incidence of cancer, such as urinary bladder cancer,” she said.
