Study Finds High Mercury in U.S. Corn Syrup

LONDON—A study published in the journal Environmental Health suggests high amounts of mercury are found in high fructose corn syrups, which are used in food products to enhance shelf life.

A pilot study was conducted to determine if high fructose corn syrup contains mercury, a toxic metal historically used as an anti-microbial. High fructose corn syrup samples were collected from three different manufacturers and analyzed for total mercury. The samples were found to contain levels of mercury ranging from below a detection limit of 0.005 to 0.570 micrograms mercury per gram of high fructose corn syrup. Average daily consumption of high fructose corn syrup is about 50 grams per person in the United States. With respect to total mercury exposure, it may be necessary to account for this source of mercury in the diet of children and sensitive populations, the study concluded.