Mars, Incorporated is supporting two important recommendations designed to help consumers limit their intake of added sugars and achieve healthier, more balanced diets.
The company has endorsed a recommendation by the world's leading health authorities - including the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, and the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition - that people should limit their intake of added sugars to no more than 10% of total calorie intake.
Additionally, in comments provided to the US Dietary Guidelines Committee, Mars has signaled its support for a new US Government proposal to include an 'added sugars' declaration in the Nutrition Facts panel on all food packaging. The company's comments to the sugar daily value and added sugars declaration proposal can be viewed at Mars.com.
So called "added sugars" are sugars and syrups added to foods to improve sweetness, structure, texture, and shelf-life. These are distinct from sugars that are "intrinsic" to foods, such as lactose in dairy, or fructose and glucose in bananas.
"We want people to enjoy Mars brands as part of a well-balanced diet," said Dave Crean, Global Head of Research & Development at Mars, Incorporated. "With this in mind, we support the recommendation of global health experts that consumers limit their intake of added sugars to 10% of their calorie intake. In the US, we have a further opportunity to help people achieve their dietary goals by supporting the government's proposal to include added sugars in the Nutrition Facts panel. It just makes good sense."