Sorry, Corn Refiners: The Name 'Corn Sugar' Is Already Taken

[n2doc]

SEP 21 2010, 8:58 AM ET |




Thanks to alert reader Glen for pointing out that the FDA already has a regulation for Corn Sugar in the Code of Federal Regulations, under food substances "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS). CFR Section 184.1857 reads:

(a) corn sugar (C6H12O6, CAS Reg. No. 50—99—7), commonly called D—glucose or dextrose, is the chemical —D—glucopyranose. It occurs as the anhydrous or the monohydrate form and is produced by the complete hydrolysis of corn starch with safe and suitable acids or enzymes, followed by refinement and crystallization from the resulting hydrolysate.

(b) The ingredient meets the specifications of the Food Chemicals Codex, 3d Ed. (1981), pp. 97—98 under the heading "Dextrose..."

(c) In accordance with 184.1(b)(1), the ingredient is used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.

The Corn Refiners have just petitioned the FDA to be allowed to use the name "corn sugar" to apply to both glucose/dextrose and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). But the existing definition seems to exclude HFCS. While HFCS is about half glucose, it is also about half fructose, and its manufacture from corn starch requires one more enzyme.

http://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2010/09/sorry-corn-refiners-the-name-corn-sugar-is-already-taken/63269/

[hlthe2b]

1. You'd think they would have "done their homework"

but, I guess they let their "Ad Men" do their thinking for them. :eyes:

[gateley]

3. I think they're just assholes who assume they'll get whatever they want. nt

[gateley]

2. Haha! Good! Now they'll have to find a new word for "corn". Wonder if Maize Sugar is taken! nt

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. Shhhh! Don't give them any ideas! LOL

[charlie]

5. Ironically

Kellogg's went from this:



to this:



years ago when "sugar" became a radioactive word.

Coming soon: Yellow Sunshine Bombs.

[Codeine]

6. All kinds of cereal from my childhood changed names, if not actual sugar content..

Super Sugar Crisp became Super Golden Crisp.

Sugar Corn Pops -> Corn Pops

Sugar Frosted Flakes -> Frosted Flakes

Sugar Smacks -> Honey Smacks

[charlie]

7. I remember those too

It'll be funny when they're soon emblazoned with MADE WITH REAL SUGAR.

I'd welcome a return to cane sugar, corn syrup is just way too cloying. When they put it in Coca-cola it buried the flavors -- cinnamon, wintergreen, lime, etc -- under a big, blunted note of SWEET. I could tell the difference because sharper tasting Mexican Cokes were still available in the border town I lived in. Those off-brand candies that showed up every Halloween were early adopters, now nearly all brands have that same sickly sweetness. It's nasty stuff.

[Codeine]

8. I love Mexican Coke. Much more complex flavor and a lack of aftertaste.

The only downside is occasional under-carbonation, as though there's a quality-control issue every once in a while.

[evirus]

9. if it were only based on that.

cane sugar has the same fructose, so going after that, and praising the "healthier" mexican coke, needs a little more support than it simply not containing HFCS.

the problem is that the media gets wind of unscientific, or prescientific claims, and catapults them into the public consciousness way before even the slightest bit of meaningful scientific investigation is done. the facts are clear that HFCS doesn't have anything unique about it that makes it worse than other sugars. its just the same old "fear the unnatural" fallacy.

[Codeine]

10. I agree completely. It's only a taste issue with me.

And I still happily drink regular Coke when I don't have Mexican Coke handy. It's all sugar in the end.