64% of Consumers Say HFCS OK in Moderation

CHICAGOA new Mintel survey revealed 64% of U.S. consumers say high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is acceptable in moderation, while 46% say they really dont know enough about HFCS to know if it is good or bad for their health..

Moreover, 35% of survey respondents avoid products that list HFCS as any ingredient, and 65% of consumers believe manufacturers or brands themselves should be responsible for disclosing how much HFCS a food or drink contains.

The new survey is timely as the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month to allow manufacturers the option of using corn sugar" as an alternative ingredient name for high fructose corn syrup. While its unclear what effects this possible name change will have, consumers are concerned about the controversial food additive.

According to Mintel, 57% of respondents believe it should be up to the government to force company disclosure of the amount of HFCS a food or beverage contains and 44% state retailers should mandate disclosure. Only 16% think disclosure should not be forced.

Today's consumers are demanding greater labeling transparency across the board," said Krista Faron, lead innovation analyst at Mintel. And when it comes to an ingredient as controversial as high fructose corn syrup, the majority of Americans clearly want complete information that will help them make informed purchase decisions."

While many consumers think disclosure is important, some seem to draw the line at imposed limitations on HFCS content. Thirty-seven percent of survey respondents say no one should be responsible for imposing restrictions on how much HFCS can be in any given food or drink product; 35% believe the government should limit HFCS content; and 45% think it should be up to manufacturers.