On July 15, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a draft guideline titled “Use of Non-sugar Sweeteners.”  WHO is seeking public comments on the draft guideline. Those interested in submitting must do so by the August 14, 2022 deadline.

Based on what WHO describes as a “systematic review that assessed the health effects of higher compared to lower intake of non-sugar sweeteners,” the guideline document provides a “conditional” recommendation against using non-sugar sweeteners to achieve weight control or to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Notably, WHO prominently acknowledged  that the recommendation “is based on evidence of low certainty overall….”

The guideline’s target audience includes policymakers, health professionals, scientists, and food industry representatives.  However, any interested party may submit a comment at WHO’s website.  WHO notes that it particularly seeks comments on issues like potentially missing information, contextual issues, and implications for implementing the guideline.