Big Corn Lobbies FDA To Rename High-Fructose Corn Syrup

In an effort to curtail the negative press against high-fructose corn syrup – a sugar alternative that accounts for one of the biggest sources of an average American’s caloric intake due to its appearance in all forms of processed foods – the Corner Refiners Association is lobbying the F.D.A. to change its name to “corn sugar.” This comes at a time when a new ad campaign from the group has begun promoting the sweetener as a “natural product made from corn.”  Not surprisingly, the potential move has been met with some skepticism.

The Corn Refiners Association argues that the current name is confusing to consumers, and that sugar better communicates the idea of sweetness of calories. And while the label corn syrup may indeed be an inaccurate representation of what the ingredient is from a scientific standpoint, the push is likely aimed at giving the product a fresh start with consumers. The New York Times cites a study conducted by market research firm NPD Group, stating that nearly 58% of Americans say they are concerned that high-fructose corn syrup poses a health risk. As a result, food manufacturers that include Hunt’s Ketchup and Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice have begun removing the ingredient from their products.

Though uncommon, ingredient name changes aren’t without precedent. Now that the petition has been formerly filed, the F.D.A. has six months to respond. If accepted, the name change would begin appearing on food labels 12-18 months thereafter.

[via The New York Times]

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