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Category: Readers' Opinions

Sweet and safe

May 08

7:24 AM

The April 30 Flavor article, 'A sprinkling of sugar alternatives,' may mislead consumers about high fructose corn syrup.

High fructose corn syrup, sugar and several fruit juices all contain the same simple sugars. New research continues to confirm that high fructose corn syrup is safe and no different from other common sweeteners like sugar and honey. High fructose corn syrup has the same number of calories as sugar.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted high fructose corn syrup a 'Generally Recognized as Safe' status for use in food and reaffirmed that ruling in 1996 after thorough review.

High fructose corn syrup offers numerous benefits, too. It keeps foods fresh. It enhances fruit and spice flavors. It retains moisture in bran cereals and helps keep breakfast bars moist.

Audrae Erickson, President

Washington, D.C.

View 3 comment(s) Link to post

High Fructose Corn Syrup....

Submitted by BBinVB on Sun, 05/11/2008 at 10:46 am.

When I found out this stuff was the reason I kept gaining weight, I was amazed to find that practically EVERYTHING at the grocery store contains it. Look at the labels and you'll struggle to find foods that don't have it. I stopped eating anything with HFCS, not sugar, just HFCS, and I lost 20 pounds. Yes, there is a difference! I'm not sure exactly what it is, but it's a big deal.

Readers deserve to know who's speaking

Submitted by janep39630 on Sat, 05/10/2008 at 12:35 pm.

Re her mysterious signature: Ms. Erickson is president of ... what? Sounds as if she could be president of some High Fructose Corn Syrup Council or the like.