Once upon a time sugar was sugar, and sugar was most definitely not good for you. So the Corn Refiners Association move to rebrand high fructose corn syrup as corn sugar is a daring move – but should do little to sweeten its reputation.
Imperial Sugar has posted a leap in profits for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 on the back of a one-off insurance payout following the company’s deadly Port Wentworth refinery explosion.
The Corn Refiners Association has said it is very pleased that Dr Barry Popkin has revoked an earlier theory about high fructose corn syrup’s link to obesity – but how much can industry do to mend its reputation?
The formation of a toxic substance when high fructose corn syrup is heated raises concerns for bee keepers, say researchers, and will help inform advice on safe storage of the ingredient for use in human food.
Results from third-party testing conducted on high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from all the production facilities in the US and Canada show that no quantifiable levels of mercury were detected in any of the samples analyzed, claims the CRA.
Sugar could be shedding its bad boy image to take a surprise spot on the public’s list of trusted ingredients, as manufacturers look to appeal to more savvy consumers.
Some food and beverage manufacturers may switch from high fructose
corn syrup (HFCS) to sugar as a result of high corn prices, but
this is only likely to be the case for relatively small scale
users, according to a consultant.
A US study presented last week claimed to establish a link between
high fructose corn syrup and diabetes, particularly in children -
but researchers say a compound found in tea could reduce the
effect.
Drinks giant Cadbury Schweppes is to change the labelling on its
flagship 7UP product, following a fierce debate on the validity of
new 'all natural' claims it placed on its labels just nine months
ago.
The US and Mexico have concluded an agreement under which access
will be granted for US high fructose corn syrup exports to Mexico,
a move that begins to address the decade long dispute between the
two countries.
The Corn Refiners Association has claimed that a recent study
linking fructose in soft drinks with added body fat
"mischaracterizes high fructose corn syrup".
