FDA Says HFCS Is Natural

After a recent spate of news reports that said the term “natural” could not be used in reference to high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and litigation over labeling products containing the sweetener, FDA sent a letter to the Corn Refiners Association that clarified the use of the term “natural” for products containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

The FDA letter, dated July 3, 2008, stated the agency “would not object to the use of the term ‘natural’ on a product containing the HFCS produced by the manufacturing process...” commonly employed in the corn refining industry. The letter was issued in response to an April 16, 2008, meeting between the Corn Refiners Association and FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). At the meeting, a representative of ADM, Decatur, IL, explained that the synthetic fixing agent for the enzyme used in the process does not come into contact with the high dextrose equivalent corn starch hydrolysate; the Corn Refiners Association followed up with a written description of the process. After considering this process, FDA would not consider it to “be included in or added to the HFCS.” Therefore, HFCS would be consistent with the current FDA policy on the use of the term “natural” on foods and beverages.

“Upon careful review of the manufacturing process for high fructose corn syrup, the FDA found that HFCS can be labeled natural,” stated Audrae Erickson, president, Corn Refiners Association in a statement issued today. “HFCS contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives and meets FDA’s requirements for the use of the term ‘natural.’ HFCS, like table sugar and honey, is natural. It is made from corn, a natural grain product.”