Calorie Control Council Responds to WHO Guideline on Non-Sugar Sweeteners
The Calorie Control Council, a global association representing the low-calorie food and beverage industry, issued a detailed response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Final Guideline on the Use of Non-Sugar Sweeteners. In reaffirming the strong scientific evidence supporting the safety and benefits of low- and no‑calorie sweeteners, the Council emphasized that Low-No-Calorie Sweeteners Safe Effective options play an important role in supporting the health of individuals, including those managing obesity, diabetes, and other non‑communicable diseases. The Council noted that WHO’s conditional recommendation—suggesting non-sugar sweeteners should not be used for weight control—directly conflicts with extensive scientific evaluations conducted by top global health and regulatory authorities.
According to CCC, recommendations from respected global organizations should not rely heavily on prospective studies labeled as having “low certainty of evidence.” Policies affecting millions should meet a far higher scientific threshold. The organization stressed that obesity and other non-communicable diseases are complex conditions requiring multiple evidence‑based approaches. Consumers—especially those seeking to manage weight, blood sugar, or total calorie intake—need access to Low-No-Calorie Sweeteners Safe Effective products that are proven to be safe and beneficial when used as intended.
Furthermore, while research on low- and no‑calorie sweeteners varies in design and duration, consistent findings from randomized clinical trials—the highest standard of evidence—show positive associations between non-sugar‑sweetened beverages, improved weight management, and reduced disease risk.
Expert Perspectives Supporting Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners
Robert Rankin, President, Calorie Control Council
“A substantial body of scientific evidence shows that low- and no-calorie sweeteners provide effective and safe options to reduce sugar and calorie consumption. Leading health and regulatory agencies worldwide have validated the role of these ingredients. Alongside physical activity and a healthy diet, low- and no‑calorie sweeteners are essential tools for managing body weight and reducing the risk of non‑communicable diseases.”
Dr. Keith Ayoob, Scientific Advisor, Calorie Control Council
Dr. Ayoob expressed concern that individuals living with diabetes were not adequately considered in WHO’s guideline development.
“It is mind-boggling that persons living with diabetes—who rely on non-sugar sweeteners to support vital dietary requirements—were essentially overlooked. Ignoring the value of these sweeteners for diabetes and pre‑diabetes, which affect more than 10% of the global population, is misguided and dismissive of their proven usefulness.”
Dr. Keri Peterson, Medical Advisor, Calorie Control Council
Dr. Peterson noted that WHO’s recommendations are grounded in evidence rated as low certainty and are categorized as conditional.
“Weaknesses such as reverse causation likely influenced the findings, especially since preexisting factors like obesity complicate risk assessments. Importantly, no undesirable effects were identified with non-sugar sweetener use. They help replace free sugars, reducing overall calorie intake. I will continue recommending these sweeteners to my patients for weight management.”
Neva Cochran, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Cochran emphasized that WHO’s recommendations misunderstand why people use non-sugar sweeteners.
“Non-sugar sweeteners are safe, well‑studied, and approved by health agencies across the globe. They allow individuals to enjoy sweetened foods and beverages with fewer calories and less sugar. Research consistently shows they help reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss when used to replace sugar. They also support increased consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as yogurt, milk, and fruit. As a registered dietitian, I confidently recommend low‑ and no‑calorie sweetened foods as part of a balanced, health-promoting diet.”
Why Discouraging Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners Is Misaligned With Public Health Needs
Discouraging the use of low‑ and no‑calorie sweeteners contradicts the nutritional needs of nearly half of Americans. Evidence shows that these sweeteners:
- do not raise blood glucose or insulin levels,
- support reduced carbohydrate intake,
- provide essential tools for people managing diabetes and pre-diabetes,
- are effective when used as intended: as replacements for added sugar.
Consumers deserve access to Low-No-Calorie Sweeteners Safe Effective solutions that support weight and blood sugar management as part of a healthy lifestyle.
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