Author Unknown
October 17th, 2010
Apparently the Corn Refiners Association has been trying to improve the image of ‘high fructose corn syrup’ with ad campaigns promoting it as a natural ingredient made from corn. Now, the group has petitioned the United States Food and Drug Administration to start calling the ingredient “corn sugar,” arguing that a name change is the only way to clear up consumer confusion about the product.
I’m curious what confusion they are talking about?! I’m not confused, are you? High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is very nasty stuff, no matter what name you call it.
The beverage companies like to argue that it isn’t the HFCS (high in calories and low in nutrients) in soft drinks and fruit juices that is leading to an all time record high in obesity for both adults and children, but that it is any type of sugar.
Okay, so what about this?
MONDAY, Jan. 26 (HealthDay News) — Almost half of tested samples of commercial high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contained mercury, which was also found in nearly a third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products where HFCS is the first-or second-highest labeled ingredient, according to two new U.S. studies.
The Corn Refiners Association, came back claiming this is outdated information and they now use a mercury-free caustic soda process. In an official statement they claimed, “These mercury-free re-agents perform important functions, including adjusting pH balances.”
HUH?!
So is this like the pharmaceutical companies finally deciding to take mercury-containing preservatives out of vaccines but replacing it with an aluminum based one instead? Yup (Yes).
HFCS has replaced sugar as the sweetener in many beverages and foods such as breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups, and condiments. On average, Americans consume about 12 teaspoons per day of HFCS, but teens and other high consumers can take in 80 per cent more HFCS than average.
Another troubling fact is that juices made from concentrates often have HFCS added during the cooking process. However, the manufacturer that purchases the concentrate to create their own labeled product that we purchase off the shelf does not have to disclose this ingredient because they didn’t add it. So the sneaky language to watch for is: no added sugars.
<http://www.youtube.com/v/UiCRwMMh9k8?fs>
If you haven’t seen the documentary ‘King Corn’ yet, it will open your eyes to the huge industry of corn. You will definitely come away completely surprised at how many different food products and ingredients you eat that are derived from the world’s largest genetically modified crop.
Say no to corn and live a happier, healthier life!
Editor's note: My thanks and appreciation to Norgeson for posting this on cia-drugs listserv, a YahooGroups.com listserv on October 19, 2010.