Artificial sweeteners aren’t sweet for your health

Let’s start off with something related to our health, shall we? For those of you who choose diet coke or zero-calorie soda as a means to control your weight, there is some concerning information. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released new guidelines that highlight the potential drawbacks of sweeteners such as aspartame and stevia. Contrary to their presumed benefits for weight loss, these sweeteners can actually have detrimental effects on health. They have been found to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. That’s really alarming!

In light of the aforementioned guidelines, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stated that its scientific panel is currently conducting a comprehensive examination of the matter. There has been a notable increase in the sales of non-sugar sweeteners and products utilizing such sweeteners in India. Renowned brands like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kellogg’s, and Dabur, offering products like Diet Coke, Special K, Pepsi Black, have gained significant popularity among individuals pursuing a healthy lifestyle and aiming to reduce their sugar intake. So, there’s something you need to think about. Maybe it’s time to make some natural changes into your food instead of relying on preservatives, don’t you agree?

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken action against five e-commerce platforms for the sale of seat belt alarm stopper clips. The consumer body has directed these online retailers to remove the listings of such clips from their websites. The CCPA discovered that these clips were being openly sold on various e-commerce platforms. Following an investigation, the authority issued orders to Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Shopclues, and Meesho, instructing them to remove the listings of seat belt alarm stopper clips.

That’s a very good step indeed. However, as consumers, we need to be aware and on the lookout for such violations too.

Germany has entered a state of recession as confirmed by the country’s statistical office, as its economy contracted for the second consecutive quarter in the first three months of 2023. During this period, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Europe’s largest economy declined by 0.3 percent. This comes after a decrease of 0.5 percent in Germany during the final quarter of 2022. In comparison, India continues to maintain its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The overall growth remains strong, with an estimated 6.9 percent growth for the entire year, and the real GDP growing by 7.7 percent year-on-year during the initial three quarters of the fiscal year 2022/23.  Moreover, India’s economy is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in the calendar year 2024.  

I hope you have loved reading the one subject editorial and will continue to support us in bringing the best, interesting and informative articles for your perusal. In the meantime, keep reading the articles we have brought you this month. We discuss Personal Accident Insurance, a review on Small Wind Turbine for Home and many more. Do share your thoughts at info@consumer-voice.org.

Until then, happy reading!

Pallabi Boruah

Editor