There's WHAT In My Canned Peaches? Del Monte Consumer Affairs Confirms It

This is not the product I am talking about, but its the closest thing to it on their website. I know better than to buy anything that says "lite." What I purchased didnt say that.

I recently picked up some single-serving canned fruits at my local grocery store, which I thought would make a tasty addition to my lunch. The packaging said "Naturally Sweetened" and the ingredients listed "Water, Peaches, Sugar, and Natural Flavor." I am a label-reader, and this seemed to pass all my tests: gluten-free, no artificial preservatives, and no artificial sweeteners are top priority, although I also have others. And while gluten will eventually kill me, artificial sweeteners are my arch nemeses. I don't just avoid them like the plague: I am actually coming close to taking *offense* that they even exist. It would be fair to say that I was excited at the prospect of eating my childhood favorites, canned peaches and pears, with my usual fare. The cans even had a handy pop-top.

Immediately I notice a slight aftertaste. And I start to wonder what the "Natural Flavor" actually was. I looked on Del Monte's website, but this particular product was strangely missing from the roster. So, I emailed them, and asked them politely what the hell was in these peaches, anyway. No really, I was nice. No reason not to be. Here's the response I received:

"Thanks for visiting our website and for your email. In order to achieve the Calorie Reduction in this product we have replaced some of the sugar with Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose, artificial sweeteners. I appreciate the opportunity to respond and hope this information is helpful." --Del Monte Foods Consumer Affairs

Excuse me? Since when are Splenda and Acesulfame Potassium considered "Natural Sweeteners" and what the hell "flavor" are they believed to be imparting, natural or otherwise? And what do you mean "calorie reduction?" I wasn't aware that canned fruit was a diet product. If I wanted sugarless, I would not be shopping in the canned foods aisle, at all. Sugar is in everything, or at least it used to be. Now, apparently Splenda is in everything. And someone is making an absolute killing off of this scam.

Is this acceptable packaging for this product? Has the FDA or USDA or anyone approved synthetic chemicals' use and advertisement as "natural"? Since when? Who is in charge, here?

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