If Sugar Is Addictive...What Does It Mean for the Law?

Abstract

Newly emerging links between sugar and addiction raise challenging issues for public health policyWhat was once a naturally occurring food ingredient is now a highly concentrated food additiveIf foods containing artificially high levels of sugar are capable of triggering addictive behaviors, how should policymakers respond? What regulatory steps would be suitable and practical? This paper explores the concept and definition of addiction and presents evidence of the addictive potential of sugarIt also explores the legal implications if sufficient evidence demonstrates that sugar is indeed addictive© 2013 American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, Inc..