Washington, D.C.—The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) sent a petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asking the agency to let food makers use new terminology on ingredient labels.

CRA stated it wants manufacturers to have the option to use the term “corn sugar” in lieu of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). According to the group’s president, Audrae Erickson, the change is warranted because is succinctly and accurately reflects the origin of the ingredient: corn. The current term, she feels, is too confusing for shoppers.

CRA puts forth the belief that HFCS is “a safe and affordable natural sweetener.” The group feels avoiding this sweetener is not a viable solution to the obesity epidemic; rather, all sugars are appropriate in moderation.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, November 2010 (published ahead of print on September 28, 2010)