For the first of a new series to air reader views on controversial
topics affecting the food industry, FoodNavigator is seeking
comments on whether or not the sweetener high fructose corn syrup
should be considered natural.
A row has broken out over high fructose corn syrup after the Corn
Refiners Association's attempts to boost the image of the sweetener
attracted criticism.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has released a science
policy paper to correct misconceptions that abound in the industry
regarding the safety of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
Some food and beverage manufacturers may switch from high fructose
corn syrup (HFCS) to sugar as a result of high corn prices, but
this is only likely to be the case for relatively small scale
users, according to a consultant.
High fructose corn syrup is increasingly being blacklisted by food
and beverage manufacturers as they attempt to market products that
are perceived as 'better-for-you', says Datamonitor.
Drinks giant Coca-Cola is feeling the squeeze of higher corn
prices, but the impact on its soda formulations - largely sweetened
with high fructose corn syrup in the US - remains unclear.
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) expects to increase its sales of high
fructose corn syrup to Mexico once the market opens up in 2008,
which will effectively tighten the supply and demand situation
further, a company executive has said.
The US and Mexico have concluded an agreement under which access
will be granted for US high fructose corn syrup exports to Mexico,
a move that begins to address the decade long dispute between the
two countries.
The Corn Refiners Association has claimed that a recent study
linking fructose in soft drinks with added body fat
"mischaracterizes high fructose corn syrup".
We reported on Wednesday that sales of the sweetener neotame had
increased four-fold during the last 12 months. Philippa Nuttall
spoke to NutraSweet's CEO to find out the reasons for this success.
Major food commodity processor and ingredients supplier Archer
Daniels Midland (ADM) will expand cocoa operations in Brazil to
match expansion of current product lines, the firm said this week.
First half profits for UK sugar and sweeteners group Tate &
Lyle slipped as US figures hit the bottom line but improved results
from European operations helped add sparkle to a generally
lacklustre performance.
