How sweet it is

SINGAPORE- With effect from June 19, the low-calorie sweetener, aspartame, has been re-classified as a general food additive under Singapore food regulations. This means that aspartame can be used in any food or beverage sold in Singapore, not just diet products. Aspartame, approved by more than 90 countries worldwide, is widely used in tabletop sweeteners, carbonated drinks, yoghurt and ice cream.

Eat your heart out

SINGAPORE- The Singapore National Heart Association launched a new food labelling campaign in September called the "Healthier Choice" labelling scheme. The scheme utilises the healthy diet pyramid to indicate which foods are healthier choices. Manufacturers with foods that meet the SNHA nutritional guidelines can apply to have the SNHA symbol on their packaging.

Changes in dietary advice

PHILIPPINES- New dietary guidelines for Filipinos were launched in the Philippines in September. A working group of professionals involved in nutrition and public health in the Philippines reviewed previous dietary guidelines and developed a revised set based on public health problems. The new guidelines emphasise the need for variety in the diet and the importance of exercise. Revisions to the previous guidelines include deletion of the "eat less sugar" guideline, re-wording of the fat guideline and the inclusion of a recommendation to eat more tubers and root crops.

Food shortages

INDONESIA- The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) predicts that more than 7.5 million Indonesians face acute food shortages in the next twelve months,

Genetically modified potatoes cleared

SCOTLAND- A recent report on genetically modified potatoes alleging a slowdown in growth and an adverse effect on the immune system of rats was withdrawn within a week of its release. A scientist from the Rowett Institute had released the results of the study but further evaluation of the data by the Institute showed his conclusions to be invalid.

Diabetes to rise sharply

GENEVA- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that diabetes will rise sharply amongst adults worldwide early next century, with the largest increase occurring in developing countries. The increase will be due to people living longer, more people being overweight, unhealthy diets and a lack of exercise. India is expected to lead the rise followed by China. Other countries expected to be in the top ten are the United States, Pakistan, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Egypt and Japan.