Changing the names: Group lobbies FDA to allow high-fructose corn syrup to now be called ‘corn sugar’

 In the past year we saw Ajinomoto Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., one of the largest producers aspartame, change the name of their controversial artificial sweetener from ‘Nutrasweet’ to the healthier sounding ‘AminoSweet’. There was nothing new about the product, they just changed the name. If the high-fructose corn syrup lobbyists are successful, we may see this chemically-refined syrup get a healthier-sounding name as well. The Corn Refiners Association applied Tuesday to the FDA to allow use of the name ‘corn sugar’ instead of the tarnished ‘high-fructose corn syrup’.

High-fructose corn syrup has gotten a lot of bad press lately when studies revealed a link between it’s consumption and an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Then there were reports of studies who found the toxic heavy metal mercury in HFCS-containing products. With movies such as Food Inc and King Korn educating people about the negative aspects of this sweetener, sales have been down.

The Corn Refiners Association applied Tuesday to the FDA to allow use of the name ‘corn sugar’ instead of the tarnished ‘high-fructose corn syrup’. It could take the FDA two years to decided on the new name. ‘Corn sugar’ sure sounds a lot healthier and more natural to me, and I am sure it well help boost sales amongst the people who do not stay updated on food news.

For those of you who like to action, and I know many of you reading this do, I am sure there will be an online petition to the FDA soon. We will post the link for that as soon as we get it.

[Grist][Slate]

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