FDA warns industry over corn syrup rebranding

Published 5:00 am Friday, September 16, 2011

LOS ANGELES — The Food and Drug Administration has cautioned the corn industry over its ongoing use of the term “corn sugar” to describe high-fructose corn syrup, asking them to stop using the proposed new name before it has received regulatory approval.

The Corn Refiners Association wants to use “corn sugar” as an alternative name for the widely used liquid sweetener currently labeled as high-fructose corn syrup on most sodas and packaged foods. They’re attempting an image makeover after some scientists linked the product to obesity, diabetes and other health problems.

Though it could take another year before the FDA rules on the request made last September to change the name, the Corn Refiners Association has for months been using “corn sugar” on television commercials and at least two websites: cornsugar.com and sweetsurprise.com.

A series of high-profile television, online and print advertisements tell consumers that “sugar is sugar” and that corn sugar is natural and safe, provided it’s consumed in moderation.

In a July 12 letter obtained by The Associated Press, Barbara Schneeman, an FDA director, wrote to the Corn Refiners Association to say she was concerned with the trade group using the terms high-fructose corn syrup and “corn sugar” interchangeably.

“We request that you re-examine your websites and modify statements that use the term ‘corn sugar’ as a synonym for (high-fructose corn syrup),” Schneeman wrote.

As of Thursday, two months after the letter was sent, none of that wording had been changed.

Audrae Erickson, spokeswoman for the Corn Refiners Association, said in an e-mail to the AP that the group is reviewing its materials and will make changes if necessary.

The FDA has no regulatory control over the corn association’s advertising because it is not selling a product but promoting an industry. The federal agency can prosecute companies that incorrectly label ingredients, and Schneeman wrote that the FDA may launch enforcement action against food companies listing high-fructose corn syrup as “corn sugar.”