Senators Hassan, Shaheen Respond to FDA Decision to Reevaluate “Added Sugar” Labels to Pure Maple Syrup

WASHINGTON – Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen issued the following statements today after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will reevaluate a policy that would require putting an “added sugar” label on pure maple syrup and pure honey: 

“New Hampshire’s maple syrup industry is vital to our economy and way of life in the Granite State, and we must ensure that producers have the support they need to continue to thrive,” Senator Hassan said. “The FDA’s decision to reevaluate a flawed policy that requires an ‘added sugar’ label to pure maple syrup and pure honey is a welcome step. Such a policy could mislead consumers into believing that pure maple syrup and pure honey contain artificial sugar, giving the false notion that these single ingredient products are not pure. I am pleased the FDA listened to the concerns of the maple syrup industry, and I encourage the FDA to continue to weigh feedback from critical industries in the Granite State as it continues working on this issue.”

“Maple syrup is an all-natural, single ingredient product, and I am pleased to see that the FDA will reevaluate its misguided decision to require maple producers to include the ‘added sugar’ label on their product,” said Senator Shaheen. “Maple syrup is a significant contributor to our economy and culture in New Hampshire, and requiring this label would confuse customers and negatively affect their confidence in our maple sugar products. I am encouraged by the FDA’s decision and I will continue to advocate against any unfair restrictions and nutrition labeling requirements on our local maple sugar producers.”

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