FDA Declares High Fructose Corn Syrup Can Be Labelled “Natural”
One more reason why you shouldn’t read anything into the word “natural” when it appears on a food label.
“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. “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.”
As we’ve said before, “natural” is not the same thing as “good for you.”
July 16, 2008
Hi,
My google HFCS alert picked up your post.
With respect to policy decisions about the
industrial sweetener, HFCS, this has been
a summer of disappointments. First, the AMA
declared that HFCS is not specifically linked
to the obesity epidemic and then the FDA, after
stating in April that HFCS is not natural
back pedals and says that it is considered
natural because it comes from corn, a natural
grain. If that is so, then the ball point pen
in my desk is “natural” because it’s plastic,
from petroleum which comes from the ground.
Europe is much smarter about HFCS. They don’t
allow it since they are very wary about GMO
foods. StopHFCS.com lists foods that are
HFCS-free. They welcome additions and suggestions.
ad