CRA Wants Corn Sugar as HFCS Alternative

WASHINGTONIn an effort to simplify food products labeling for manufacturers and consumers, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) has petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow manufacturers the option of using corn sugar" as an alternative ingredient name for high fructose corn syrup. The FDA has 180 days to respond.
According to CRN, consumer research suggests U.S. consumers are confused about current labeling. For example, despite the fact that high fructose corn syrup and table sugar contain the same amount of fructose, nearly 58 percent of consumers incorrectly believed that high fructose corn syrup has more fructose than table sugar does.

The term corn sugar succinctly and accurately describes what this natural ingredient is and where it comes fromcorn," said CRA President Audrae Erickson. Sugar from corn is a safe and affordable natural ingredient, and based on third-party research, we believe consumers would benefit from a clearer name."

An analysis of Nielsen data gathered from March 2008 to January 2010 across five major food and beverage product categories (canned soup, condiments, fresh bread, carbonated cola and ready-to-drink tea) indicates that brands that reformulate their products from high fructose corn syrup to sugar did not impact consumer purchase behavior at retail.

When it comes to calories from sugar or high fructose corn syrup, theyre exactly the same. The overall nutrition message that calories count is accurate," Erickson said. All added sugarscorn sugar, table sugar, honey and fruit juice concentratesshould be consumed in moderation. These sugars contain an equal number of calories that must be burned off or the body will convert them to fat."