FDA 'Added Sugars' Label Proposal Opposed

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin beekeepers and maple syrup producers are fighting a U.S. Food and Drug Administration nutrition labeling proposal designed to educate consumers about added sugars.

Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the FDA has received more than 3,000 comments on its proposal, most of which are from honey and maple syrup producers. They argue that a label with the words "added sugars" is confusing and misleading, because nothing is being added.

The FDA says that it's looking forward to "working with stakeholders to devise a sensible solution." The federal agency says it acknowledges that the feedback from producers indicates that their proposal "does not provide the clarity that the FDA intended."

A report National Agricultural Statistics Service report says Wisconsin ranks fourth in maple syrup production and 12th in honey production.