Corn Refiners Welcome FDA Clarification That High Fructose Corn Syrup Can Be Labeled Natural

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2008

CONTACT:
Audrae Erickson, President
(202) 331-1634

WASHINGTON, DC – The Corn Refiners Association today welcomed clarification received from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concerning the use of the term natural for products containing High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS).

“Upon careful review of the current manufacturing process for High Fructose Corn Syrup, the FDA found that HFCS can be labeled natural,” stated Audrae Erickson, president, Corn Refiners Association. “HFCS contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives and meets FDA’s requirements for the use of the term ‘natural.’ HFCS, like table sugar and honey, is natural. It is made from corn, a natural grain product.”

Specifically, the FDA stated “we would not object to the use of the term ‘natural’ on a product containing the HFCS produced by the manufacturing process…” commonly employed in the corn refining industry. A copy of the letter clarifying FDA’s views on the use of the term natural for products containing HFCS can be found at www.corn.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/FDAdecision7-7-08.pdf.

###

CRA is the national trade association representing the corn refining (wet milling) industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.