WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) said on May 30 that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) denial to use the term corn sugar to describe high fructose corn syrup ignored overwhelming scientific evidence.

The FDA denied the petition on narrow, technical grounds, said Audrae Erickson, CRA president. The FDA did not address or question the overwhelming scientific evidence that high fructose corn syrup is a form of sugar and is nutritionally the same as other sugars, Erickson said.

“The vast majority of American consumers are confused about HFCS. Consumers have the right to know what is in their foods and beverages in simple, clear language that enables them to make well-informed dietary decisions,” Erickson said. “In light of the FDA's technical decision, it is important to note that the agency continues to consider HFCS as a form of added sugar, and requires that it be identified to consumers in the category of sugars on the Nutrition Fact Panel on foods and beverages.”