Back then, saccharin was the only artificial sweetener available. Some people really wanted it, and industry certainly wanted to continue making Tab. So saccharin was let off the hook.

The risk to a given individual from having some saccharin-sweetened soda or coffee is really trivial. It's when you multiply that times 200 million people that the risk becomes much more significant.

We pretty much ignore them. They are so over the top that I think they come off as just a public relations hatchet man for the restaurant and food processing industry.

It's a real thrill to climb with.

It will be a one shot device.

Their overall mix of products is still way too high in saturated and trans fats, salt and sugar. But you can't fault them for offering a healthy alternative.

Listening to them, you would think they want studies done on humans.

The agency has had so much turnover in the top spot, and turmoil throughout, that it could have benefited from a period of steady leadership. The country doesn't need a rudderless FDA.