In a recent study researchers found nearly half of the samples tested of commercial grade high fructose corn syrup contained mercury. High fructose corn syrup has been growing in popularity since the 1970's and the consumption continues to increase in the United States. According to the article in the Washington Post, "nearly a third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products where HFCS is the first- or second-highest labeled ingredient."
Mercury is a known toxin and has been appearing in more and more food sources over the years. Given the fact that many of our cereals, beards, cookies, and other popular items contain high fructose corn syrup this is a major issue that needs to be addressed by both the HFCS industry and the U.S Food and Drug Administration.
The Corn Refiners Association issued the following statement to the studies: "This study appears to be based on outdated information of dubious significance. Our industry has used mercury-free versions of the two re-agents mentioned in the study, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda, for several years. These mercury-free re-agents perform important functions, including adjusting pH balances."
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If you would like to learn more about high-fructose corn syrup please visit:
http://www.high-fructosecornsyrup.com/
Story Credit: Washington Post, January 28, 2009.
