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A substance called “magic sugar” which is being widely used as an artificial sweetener is not safe for consumption. Because of this, the government of the City of Manila is taking measures to prohibit the use of this substance.

Dr. Loraine Sanchez of the city health office said that the authorities are closely coordinating with police and barangay officials in monitoring vendors selling or using “magic sugar” in the food or drinks they sell. Aside from the monitoring, they are also conducting an information drive on the substance and the risk it poses to a person’s health.

Sanchez also said that the sanitary officers are conducting lectures in schools as part of their information drive to inform the students in a bid to stop them from patronizing vendors who are suspected of using the illegal substance. “We also encourage parents to just prepare homemade nutritious snacks for their kids to prevent them from buying foods outside the schools,” she said.

In line with their campaign, the city government also intensified its monitoring of sanitary and environmental sanitation permits among hawkers in Manila, added Sanchez.

The police and city officials issued warning to the vendors that whoever is caught using or selling magic sugar may be charged with violation of Republic Act 3720 or the Foods, Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Act.

A warning had been issued earlier by health secretary Esperanza Cabral cautioning the public against the use of magic sugar which is allegedly being smuggled into the country.  According Cabral, the substance known as magic sugar or artificial sugar is also called sodium cyclamate that could cause dizziness, vomiting and stomach ache.

She said it is banned in the United States “because of some studies that show that it increases the incidence of cancer, such as urinary bladder cancer.”