ICBA Africa on advancing evidence-based dialogue on low- and no-calorie sweeteners across Africa
A recent series of roundtables in South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, and Nigeria brought together local industry associations, the International Sweeteners Association (ISA), and local stakeholders to discuss the evidence about how low- and no-calorie sweeteners can fit in countries' goals for nutrition and the evolving food policy environment.
The roundtables provided a platform for discussion on how evidence-based policymaking can help achieve public health objectives and support informed consumer choice. International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) Africa Executive Director Iddah Asin participated in the roundtables and shares below her perspectives on the importance of evidence-based dialogue, collaborative stakeholder engagement, and evidence-informed approaches to nutrition and food policy across the continent.
Iddah Asin: These engagements were designed to create a space for open and evidence-based dialogue to discuss low- and no-calorie sweeteners, and the role they play in Africa's broader nutrition and food policy conversations, as a tool to provide consumers with low- and no-calorie beverage options.
Roundtable participants included regulators, scientists, public health experts and representatives of the beverage industry in South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria, all of whom joined in discussing the latest evidence on low- and no-calorie sweetener safety and benefits.
Originally published by African Business.