WASHINGTON - The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) filed a petition earlier this week with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging the agency to identify a safe level for added sugars in beverages, USA Today reports.

The filing was supported by 41 nutrition scientists and physicians and health departments of 10 major U.S. cities, arguing that a diet high in added sugars is linked to an increase risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, gout and tooth decay.

"Sugary beverages provide almost half the sugars we consume," said CSPI Executive Director Michael Jacobson. While the FDA classifies high-fructose corn syrup and other added sugars as "generally recognized as safe," he said, "at these levels they are being used, these ingredients are not safe. They are harmful."

Opponents to the CSPI petition include health advocates. "If we start blaming one component of the diet for something as complicated as obesity, I think that??s a slippery slope," said James Rippe, a cardiologist who studies nutrition and fitness.

"It's emotionally attractive to blame added sugars for obesity, but if we go in this direction, it will prevent us from looking at the total diet to solve obesity. Even if we made drastic cuts in the amount of added sugars in our diet, I believe people would find other ways of over-consuming calories," Rippe added.

Additionally, industry groups were sharply critical of CSPI??s petition.

J. Patrick Mohan, interim president of the Corn Refiners Association, said in a statement: "As we continue to debate the root causes of our nation's obesity issue, we need to rely on science and facts, not look for quick fixes that draw focus away from developing real solutions to a complex problem. All foods can fit into a healthy diet if consumed in moderation combined with physical activity."

"Everyone has a role to play in reducing obesity levels ?" a fact completely ignored in this petition. This is why the beverage industry has worked to increase options and information for consumers. Today about 45% of all non-alcoholic beverages purchased have zero calories and the overall average number of calories per beverage serving is down 23% since 1998 ?? Americans are consuming 37% fewer calories from sugar in soft drinks and other sweetened beverages than in 2000," said the American Beverage Institute in a statement.