Corn refiners petition FDA for use of corn sugar in products

In an effort to help clarify the labeling of food products for consumers, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow manufacturers the option of using "corn sugar" as an alternative name for high fructose corn syrup.

"Consumers need to know what is in their foods and where their foods come from and we want to be clear with them," said CRA president Audrae Erickson.

"The term 'corn sugar' succinctly and accurately describes what this natural ingredient is and where it comes from corn."

CRA says contrary to widespread consumer belief, high fructose corn syrup - a safe and affordable natural sweetener found in many popular products on grocery shelves - is not high in fructose when compared with other commonly used nutritive sweeteners, including table sugar, honey and fruit juice concentrates.

Like table sugar, it is roughly half glucose and half fructose and is metabolized by the body in the same way as regular table sugar.

High fructose corn syrup that is used in many foods, such as baked goods, is lower in fructose than table sugar.