NCA Statement on Recent Senate Legislation

WASHINGTON - In response to the Senate HELP Committee's passage of the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act, the National Confectioners Association released the following statement:

"The National Confectioners Association strongly opposes this legislation because it replaces FDA's science-based process with legislative mandates that substitute broad assumptions for scientific evidence. Chocolate and candy are different from other foods - people understand that they are treats, not meal replacements - and policies should reflect that distinction. America's chocolate and candy companies encourage mindful enjoyment through the industry's Always A Treat initiative, including offering consumers more portion options, and reminding them that confectionery products are treats. The vast majority of chocolate and candy is made by companies that do not advertise on children's programming. Americans deserve food policy based on science and facts - not subjective standards that confuse consumers, increase food costs, undermine confidence in our nation's food safety system, and ultimately do nothing to improve public health."