The National Corn Growers Association recently sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration stating the organization's support for the use of the term 'corn sugar' as an alternative name for high fructose corn syrup. A petition filed by the Corn Refiners Association is requesting approval for food and beverage manufacturers to have the option of using the new term as an alternative ingredient on product labels.

"We are calling upon the FDA to eliminate the confusion of the safety of high fructose corn syrup," NCGA President Bart Schott said. "Permitting use of the term 'corn sugar' on labels will allow manufactures to more clearly describe high fructose corn syrup as a natural ingredient, nutritionally equivalent to sugar."

Schott also pointed out that the American Dietetic Association is on record stating that "both sweeteners contain the same number of calories and consist of equal parts fructose and glucose. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, the two sweeteners are indistinguishable."

"Our members are very supportive of efforts to ensure that consumers are provided with accurate, objective and complete information on this widely used ingredient," Schott said. "We strongly urge the FDA to approve the Citizens Petition."

Click here for a copy of NCGA's letter to the FDA.