Maine U.S. Sen. Angus King is urging the Food and Drug Administration to back off a requirement that natural honey and maple products carry the label of “sugar added.”
King made his case on the floor of the Senate. “This would have a significant impact on these industries nationwide," he said. "And these are important businesses. In Maine maple syrup is a $20 million a year business."
King said the FDA is well intentioned in trying to inform consumers of calorie content. But he said the yet-to-be-finalized requirement ignores the fact that no sugar is actually added to either product.
“Most people, when you say when they are going to put an added sugar on a label for maple syrup, they think it’s kind of funny. It’s not funny to the industry," he said. "So, I can’t resist, Mr. President - I’m hoping for a sweet ending to a sticky mess.”
