This is not a phobia reaction. There's no debating the validity of my "considered" medical condition, I was merely looking to see whether others on this forum had similar experiences. Thank you to those who posted your support.
For those who have benefited from this product, more power to you. I know it's a Godsend for many people (my diabetic father included) and I sincerely hope there are no ill effects discovered down the road for you. I don't think I'd live through it!
Even if not personally affected, IMHO any ingredient known to cause SEVERE reactions should be called out specifically in addition to the ingredients list, just like nuts, wheat, soy, MSG and others. Kellogg's only lists the top 8 allergens, but wouldn't tell me what they all were.
And seriously, who would expect All Bran to have four or five sweeteners in it? I would look for it on products marketed as "low sugar" or "low calorie" ... but a seemingly healthy cereal choice? I do take the responsibility for reading labels quite seriously, but I am human and just missed it on the cereal. The last two reactions were so bad, I am wondering whether it is cumulative and what the next scare could be like. I will be obsessively cautious from here on in. Can't understand where I'm coming from? Have a shellfish allergy? Ever had food poisoning? If you've been violently ill from one of those, you get my drift.
I wish I knew how to encourage adequate product labeling. I did call and email Kellogg's and Starbucks (their iced coffee cans contain it). Kellogg's was quick to say that none of their products are "all natural" ... so noted!