National Confectioners Association responds to US moves to ban chocolate from SNAP categories

The National Confectioners Association in America has moved to rebuff a measure from US Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins signing waivers to ban chocolate from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) in Arkansas and Idaho, writes Neill Barston.

As has previously been reported, the incoming White House Administration under the Republicans has sought to create a Make America Healthy Again Movement (MAHA), though concerns have been expressed that there has been notable disruption amid the FDA organisation that governs federal decisions over ingredients, dyes and other aspects of manufacturing.

Confectionery Production recently attended the NCA’s State of the Industry Conference, in which the organisation asserted that it would redouble its efforts to represent the region’s $54 billion sector at a national level in Washington, as it seeks to continue established ties at governmental level to best represent the interests of the entire value chain in the region.

There have been considerable concerns expressed by the NCA in the past year in relation to state level legislators seeking to ban the use of certain dye colours and ingredients, which the organisation has cited FDA rulings that conventional confectionery ranges remain same to consume.

In response to this latest move in Arkansas and Idaho, which could potentially hamper confectionery sales within the region, the National Confectioners Association responded: “This policy approach is not needed when it comes to chocolate and candy. About 2% of SNAP purchases are candy – significantly less than other categories like soda, prepared desserts, salty and savory snacks, and baked goods.

“And unlike those other purchases which SNAP participants buy in far greater quantities than non-SNAP households, candy purchasing patterns are basically equivalent between SNAP and non-SNAP families. People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging just 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day.

“Consumers have a unique mindset when they enjoy chocolate and candy that is not present when interacting with other foods – whether or not they are using SNAP benefits for food purchases. Furthermore, 89% of Americans believe that physical health and emotional well-being are interconnected, meaning chocolate and candy can be an affordable way to enhance the special occasions and meaningful moments of all Americans regardless of income level.”