The Corn Refiners Association (CRA), through its website SweetSurpise.com and a slew of TV and print ads, is stating that High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is safe in moderation. While many in the blogosphere have roundly criticized the CRA, few have actually bothered to take note of the message being put forward: HFCS isn’t the poison that consumers think it is.

The Washington Post’s Jennifer Huget echoes this assessment:

“I hate to admit it — and don’t get me wrong, I don’t think corn syrup is health food or that the industry has anything but its own best interests in mind — but I think the group is right on this one. The American Medical Association in June issued a report saying there’s not enough evidence to prove that HFCS contributes to overweight, obesity or diabetes any more than other sweeteners. (The report does note that more research is needed.)”

Most of the harshest critiques read more like theater reviews than meaningful health pieces. They come from the perspective that these ads are portrayals of mindless “Stepford Wives” doing the bidding of big corporations. Blogs like MomLogic have even concluded that, somehow, the campaign is trying to convince people that HFCS is the cornerstone of a nutritious diet.

But the principle reason that these ads are important is because of the portrayal of one mother talking to another about how unreliable word of mouth can be on food safety.  Moms shouldn’t accept idle gossip or scary evening news stories about what’s found on supermarket shelves. And if that’s the loudest statement from the CRA’s efforts, why would you want to muzzle it?

1. Sara Says:
   September 17th, 2008 at 12:24pm

   Suzanne: I’ve found myself avoiding HCFS as “the word on the street” seeped into my subconcious. Lately, I’ve been wondering just WHAT IS the problem with HCFS?

   I do notice, however, that the true sugar content of food is often masked by the number of different sweeteners used.

   In general, I strive for “moderation” in all sweeteners. As a matter of prinicple, simpler and closer to original form is my preferred.

   I certainly would choose a little HCFS over Splenda, etc. for my kids!



2. Heidi Says:
   September 17th, 2008 at 1:38pm

   I love it! The commerical was great, it was a perfect example of how little info gets shared accurately among moms. I think moms should be out there buried in science journals, carrying a pad in hand, reading every label, etc. Not that it is practical in real life, but hey most moms are the stewards of their families health. What we moms buy at the grocery store and put on the tables is what sets the example for the entire family.
   Which is why we as a family have ventured far into the realms of unprocessed food..it is a lot easier when you start with raw, real ingredients.
   Reading labels is further complicated by the so many ingredients put into food..just how many types of sugar does one need in their food!
   So for all the moms on the internet battling it out for their families’ health, keep reading, and keep up the work, our family’s health is worth the effort!



3. Scott Says:
   September 20th, 2008 at 8:58am

   I’m with you that HFCS is not necessarily such a horrible health risk. But it is a huge portion of a nationwide crisis for farmers and plant diversity, and I think the means are as important as the ends. Family farms are going out of business, as only huge farms can keep up with the insane demand for corn crops, which are ironically paid for very poorly, but they’re the only thing being paid for in much of the country. Meanwhile, monoculture (only one crop for farm) has taken over America’s heartland due to the corn glut, and thus WAY more toxic chemicals have to be used to keep farms running, because crop rotation and the like are no longer possible.

   I’m not an expert on these things, and there’s way more information available out there (Michael Pollan’s “Omnivore’s Dilemma” has great unbiased storytelling on the subject). But I think it’s wise to think about the means that create HFCS and its rise to prominence in the American food supply, and not just the ends of its health consequences… which, I agree, are not really so bad.



4. Sara Says:
   September 21st, 2008 at 2:59pm

   Good points: There are bigger issues than the relative safety of HCFS as a sweetener. I would like to see us as a nation and as individuals address the horrible state of our diet.

   The bigger meta-issue is even hairier: The economics of food. Cheap food generally comes with economies of scale, which in turn usually means less diversified operations. Similarly, processed food lends itself to mass handling and long-term storage, both of which help make processed, less nutritious foods cheaper than fresh produce, meat, milk and eggs.



5. Suzanne Says:
   September 23rd, 2008 at 5:49am

   The real problem, for all moms, is getting your kids to eat what their supposed to eat. Of course, corn sweeteners are sugar — but HELLO that’s ALL they are. So, it’s not rocket science. Get them to eat fruits and vegetables (against their will) and limit access to sugary snacks (whether corn sweeteners or just sugar) as treats. Corn sweeteners are NOT the devil, they’re just sugar.



6. Heidi Says:
   September 23rd, 2008 at 10:52am

   Side note—Kids can, will and do like veggies and fruits : ) No really they do. Make it fun. Get them involved and remove the junk as options. My kids do eat all kinds of crazy things. But they also do the work in the garden, and the kitchen. Eat healthy is a family adventure not just mom’s agenda. In fact we eat so healthy that when my dd was diagnosed with diabetes type 1 we didnt have to do anything to change our diet. I have posted a blog about this and have made my agenda to encourage moms to put more healthy options out for their kids. Okay off my soapbox now…



7. suzannabanana23 Says:
   September 25th, 2008 at 3:08pm

   Heidi — you are right! Make it fun! They really do love to eat vegetables they grow themselves. And — I hate to say it — they eat more McDonald’s Apple Dippers if I also let them have the caramel sauce.