A parliamentary committee has warned that frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners and flavored drinks may contribute to early-onset diabetes and increase the risk of serious illnesses, including certain types of cancer.
The concerns were raised during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research at Parliament House, where officials from the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) briefed lawmakers on the potential health risks associated with sugar substitutes.
Citing findings from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), officials said regular consumption of synthetic beverages and artificial sweeteners poses a significant public health concern. They noted that children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers are particularly vulnerable, facing a higher risk of chronic metabolic disorders and some forms of cancer.
The committee, chaired by MNA Syed Hussain Tariq, directed the PSQCA to convene its technical committee in Islamabad at the earliest to review the issue and develop policy recommendations.
The meeting will include members of the standing committee, representatives from the Ministry of National Health Services, the NIH, mango growers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Lawmakers also instructed the PSQCA to revise existing quality standards for artificial sweeteners and flavored beverages within two months.
The updated regulations are expected to require accurate product labeling, prohibit misleading claims, introduce prominent health warnings and expiry dates, specify fruit pulp content, and regulate plastic bottle packaging.
The committee further directed the NIH to provide scientific evidence and international best practices to support the proposed regulatory changes.
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