Corn Refiners Association Welcomes Robert Swinford
May 28, 2013 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is pleased to welcome Robert Swinford to its team. He will serve as Counsel to CRA, working on congressional and regulatory affairs.
CRA’s Nancy Kohler Accepts Position at Grocery Manufacturers Association
May 7, 2013 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) congratulates Nancy Kohler on her new position with the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA). Ms. Kohler, who has served as CRA’s Assistant Director of Policy and Operations since 2007, will be Director of Federal Affairs at GMA.
Corn Refiners Association Welcomes New President
March 25, 2013 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) today announced John W. Bode as its new President and C.E.O. John comes to the CRA with 30 years of experience as a lawyer/lobbyist in Washington, D.C., representing many prominent companies.
Corn Refiners Association Celebrates 100 Years
March 13, 2013 – In a gathering at the Library of Congress, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) and representatives of food, beverage, ingredient, and agricultural industries celebrated the history and accomplishments of the corn wet milling industry over the last century. 2013 marks 100 years since the trade association was founded.
Statement from J. Patrick Mohan, Interim President of the Corn Refiners Association, on the New York State Supreme Court’s Decision to Invalidate New York City’s Ban on Large Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
March 12, 2013 – “The recent decision by New York City to ban large, sugar-sweetened drinks was a misdirected attempt to solve the serious health issue of obesity and obesity-related diseases by seeking to demonize a specific product instead of looking for productive solutions. “The key to appropriate consumption is arming consumers with the information they need to make educated choices for themselves and their families.
New Study on Fructose Ignores “Real World” Dietary Habits to Make Poorly Supported Claims about Weight Gain
January 2, 2013 – A new “exploratory” study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) makes provocative claims about the effects of fructose on hunger and weight gain, but bases its conclusions on a test conducted on just 20 people who were fed massive doses of sugars in a manner that people do not consume in real life.
Caution: New Study Alleging HFCS-Diabetes Link is Flawed and Misleading
Authors Target HFCS, while Ignoring it is Nutritionally Equivalent to Sugar
November 26, 2012 – A new study, to be released Tuesday, November 27, by researchers from USC and Oxford, uses a severely flawed statistical methodology and ignores well established medical facts to “suggest” a unique link between high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and Type 2 diabetes. A previous study critical of HFCS from the lead author, Dr. Michael I. Goran, has met with severe criticism for both its study design and conclusions. Most importantly, Dr. Goran’s newest attack on HFCS fails to account for widespread agreement among scientists and medical doctors that HFCS and sucrose (table sugar) are nutritionally equivalent.
Sugar Industry Denies Misleading Public Despite Media Reports Exposing “Pay-for-Play” Campaign Against Corn Refiners
October 30, 2012 – In court documents filed yesterday, attorneys for the U.S. sugar industry tried to deny that The Sugar Association is deceiving consumers into believing that processed table sugar is safer and more healthful than high fructose corn syrup, even as several recent media stories revealed they are funding secretive campaigns to attack HFCS and other sweeteners.
Corn Refiners Counter Sue The Sugar Association for Deceiving Consumers about High Fructose Corn Syrup
September 4, 2012 – Several of the nation’s leading corn refiners today counter-sued The Sugar Association for deceiving consumers into believing that processed sugar is safer and more healthful than high fructose corn syrup, despite overwhelming scientific evidence that the two forms of sugar are nutritionally equivalent.
Legal Merits of CRA’s Right to Educate Consumers about High Fructose Corn Syrup Unaffected by Judge’s Ruling on Member Companies
July 31, 2012 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) said today it is eager to defend the right of consumers to be informed that high fructose corn syrup is just another kind of sugar, following a decision by a federal judge to include trade association members as defendants in a lawsuit brought by processed sugar interests, including the Sugar Association.
Statement of Audrae Erickson, President, Corn Refiners Association on the Food & Drug Administration Denial of Petition
May 30, 2012 – The Corn Refiners Association works every day to educate consumers about high fructose corn syrup, particularly that it is nutritionally equivalent to other sugars. The Food & Drug Administration denied our petition to use the term corn sugar to describe high fructose corn syrup on narrow, technical grounds. They 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.
Sugar Industry Ramps Up Misinformation Campaign
May 24, 2012 – When you don’t have the facts, generate confusion. That is apparently The Sugar Association’s game plan, as today through yet another press release they continued to grasp for a rationale as to why anyone should support their self-serving lawsuit aimed at suppressing an education program intended to communicate to the public the simple fact that High Fructose Corn Syrup is a sugar.
Response to UCLA Rat Study
May 16, 2012 – [Note that the UCLA news release was corrected to clarify that this study was on fructose, not high fructose corn syrup.]
“Fructose is a common sweetener found in nature and present in fruits, vegetables, fruit juices, and many caloric sweeteners. Moreover, humans normally consume fructose in combination with glucose in all these foods and beverages. There is abundant scientific evidence demonstrating that consuming fructose and glucose together is entirely safe due to the way the body metabolizes these simple sugars in combination.”
Study Relies on Debunked Research and Pure Speculation In Effort To Blame HFCS for Autism
Authors mix discredited data and alarmist theory to attack a safe food ingredient
April 13, 2012 – A study published in the online edition of Clinical Epigenetics uses dated and unsound research in an unpersuasive effort to blame high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) consumption as the cause of autism, a disorder whose causes are still unknown, according to cardiologist James M. Rippe, M.D., Founder and Director of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida, and consultant to the food industry.
Corn Refiners Association Responds to Colony Collapse Disorder Claims
April 6, 2012 - There have been many prominent theories to explain colony collapse disorder (CCD), including the 7 enumerated in the authors’ cited UN News Center 2011 reference. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is not among of them.
Corn Refiners Ask Court to Dismiss Case, Saying Processed Sugar Industry’s Claims Unprecedented
March 21, 2012 – A group of corn refiners today asked a federal judge in Los Angeles to dismiss claims brought by the processed sugar industry based on statements made by the Corn Refiners Association (CRA), the companies’ trade association. An earlier version of these same claims was already dismissed by the court in October 2011.
Sugar Industry’s Latest Move Demonstrates Its Strategy: Pose As A ‘Safer’ Sweetener
February 7, 2012 – In a bid to revive litigation claims that a federal judge had dismissed, the refined sugar industry’s latest maneuver actually underlines its true objective: to confuse American consumers by suggesting that cane and beet sugar is healthier than sugar made from corn.
Corn Refiners Association Statement on GHSU Study
January 27, 2012 – A study by researchers at Georgia Health Sciences University draws unfounded conclusions about cardiovascular risks associated with consuming fructose, which is found in many sweeteners, including table sugar (sucrose) and high fructose corn syrup. The authors have failed to provide needed perspective. Many of the markers they tracked for being “known to increase risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes” were actually measured in the study to be within normal ranges for all subject groups.
Inconclusive Fructose Study Author Admits Conflict of Interest
January 26, 2012 – A study published in the journal Metabolism, which attempts to evaluate the effect of high fructose corn syrup versus sucrose (sugar), is in fact not a comparison and should not be used to base any conclusions about sugar metabolism. The authors of the study conceded the study had “several limitations,” and were unable to draw meaningful conclusions based on their data.
Sugar Industry in a Stretch: Pitching New Study To Create False Scientific Controversy
December 19, 2011 – Yet again, the refined sugar industry is trying to confuse Americans about the health aspects of refined sugar as compared to high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This time, the sugar industry is basing these claims on a faulty consumer survey and an inconclusive scientific study.
Sugar Industry At It Again: Sugar Lawyers Refile Claims Already Rejected By Court
November 21, 2011 – In another legal maneuver, the sugar industry is attempting to revive claims against member companies of the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) that a federal judge recently dismissed.
Sugar Industry “Shopping Mall” Survey Misleads Consumers
November 11, 2011 – The shopping mall survey announced today by the Sugar Association misleads consumers by perpetuating the myth that sucrose (table sugar) is healthier than high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). “The Sugar Association has a commercial interest in keeping consumer confusion regarding HFCS alive. And that is precisely what their shopping mall survey attempts to accomplish,” said Audrae Erickson, President of the Corn Refiners Association (CRA).
Court Rejects Key Portions of Lawsuit against Corn Refining Industry
October 23, 2011 – “The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is pleased that the court in the Western Sugar case has stricken the sugar industry’s state law claim under the California anti-SLAPP statute, which provides for early dismissals of meritless cases aimed at chilling freedom of expression,” says Audrae Erickson, President of the CRA. The sugar industry alleged that the CRA’s educational campaign to defend the merits of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was deceptive. “To the contrary,” Erickson said, “the educational campaign is science based and supported by a wide variety of medical and scientific experts.”
Corn Refiners Applaud Passage of Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama and Korea
October 13, 2011 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) applauded last night’s House and Senate ratification of the three free trade agreements (FTAs) with Panama, Colombia and Korea.
Corn Refiners Appluad Momentum, Urge Passage of Free Trade Agreements
October 3, 2011 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) today applauded the submission by the White House of the three free trade agreements (FTAs) with Panama, Colombia and Korea to Congress, urging swift passage of these important accords.
Heart Disease Study Fails to Prove Increased Risk Factors
July 28, 2011 – The results of a study published in the online edition of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism do not show any clinically relevant increases in LDL and triglyceride levels as a result of added sugar consumption, according to cardiologist James M. Rippe, M.D., Founder and Director of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida, and consultant to the food industry.
Corn Refiners Commend Signing of Mexico Trucking Agreement
July 7, 2011 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) applauds the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Mexico that represents a critical step towards full resolution of the long-standing dispute over cross-border trucking.
Studies Show No Meaningful Difference between High Fructose Corn Syrup and Sucrose
May 24, 2011 – A comprehensive review of research focusing on the debate between High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and other sweeteners presented today finds there is no evidence of any significant variation in the way the human body metabolizes HFCS as opposed to standard table sugar, or any difference in impact on risk factors for chronic disease.
Corn Refiners Responds to the Lawsuit Filed in the Central District of California U.S. District Court
April 28, 2011 – Read the full statement of Audrae Erickson, president, Corn Refiners Association, regarding the lawsuit.
Fairfax Schools Mislead Community on Chocolate Milk Sweetener
April 7, 2011 – The April 1 announcement by Fairfax County Public Schools for the return of chocolate milk to elementary schools may mislead parents and students about sweeteners. The decision to once again offer chocolate milk to students is commendable. However, it is unfortunate that the district chose to deprive students of chocolate milk for eight months in order to remove high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and replace it with sugar. The two sweeteners have the same calories and are handled by the body the same way.
Corn Refiners Association Applauds Trade Accord with Colombia
April 6, 2011 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) applauded the announcement of an accord between the United States and Colombia, which will provide a path forward for congressional approval of the free trade agreement between the two nations.
Corn Refiners Oppose Deregulation of Corn Amylase Biotech Trait
February 11, 2011 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) today reiterated its opposition to deregulation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of the corn amylase biotech trait known as Event 3272.
Corn Refiners Welcome Step Toward Resolution of Mexico Trucking Dispute
January 7, 2011 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) commends the U.S. Department of Transportation on its release of a concept paper to resolve the cross-border trucking dispute with Mexico.
Corn Refiners Welcome Korean Deal; Urge Passage of U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement
December 6, 2010 – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) applauded the deal reached between U.S. and Korean officials for a U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement.
Fructose Hypothesis Fundamentally Flawed
November 29, 2010 – An article published in the November 29 issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) incorrectly suggests that consumption of ‘excessive’ fructose in the American diet may play a unique role in high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and chronic kidney disease.
Moderate Sugar Intake as Part of a Balanced Diet Doesn’t Promote Weight Gain, or Risk Factors for Heart Disease
November 17, 2010 – Consuming fructose from added sugars at levels found in the average American diet does not lead to weight gain or an increased risk for heart disease when part of a weight-stable diet, according to new data presented today at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2010.
Focus on Fructose Misplaced
November 11, 2010 – Media reports regarding a study by Hyon K. Choi, M.D., Ph.D., of the Boston University School of Medicine, and colleagues presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual scientific meeting once again confuse fructose with high fructose corn syrup.
Sugar Content Study Flawed
October 27, 2010 – A news release issued today by the University of Southern California alleging higher than normal amounts of fructose in sweetened beverages containing high fructose corn syrup appears to have failed to use standard analytical procedures to measure the content of sugars present.
Corn Refiners Petition FDA for Use of “Corn Sugar” as Alternate Name for High Fructose Corn Syrup: Eliminating Consumer Confusion Is the Goal
September 14, 2010 – In an effort to help clarify the labeling of food products for consumers, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) today petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow manufacturers the option of using ‘corn sugar’ as an alternative name for high fructose corn syrup.
Sara Lee Swaps Corn Sugar for Cane/Beet Sugar Don’t Be Fooled: The Bread’s Still The Same
August 6, 2010 – The decision of Sara Lee Corp. to remove high fructose corn syrup from its Soft & Smooth® Made with Whole Grain White bread and Soft & Smooth® Plus 100% Whole Wheat bread varieties, may be misleading to consumers by implying that breads made with other sweeteners, such as sugar, are healthier.
Study on Fructose and Pancreatic Cancer Generates Premature and Potentially Misleading Conclusions
August 3, 2010 – A study published in the August issue of Cancer Research has resulted in several premature and potentially misleading conclusions when it comes to fructose and its effect on pancreatic tumor cells. Unfortunately, the media covering this story, and even the authors, have been too quick to extrapolate the results of laboratory research on pure fructose to real-world conditions, which is not appropriate or helpful to consumers.
Fructose Hyperbole? Can the Human Body Discern Sugar Sweetened Milk from its High Fructose Corn Syrup Counterpart?
June 19, 2010 – New research released today from Rippe Lifestyle Institute and the University of Central Florida shows no difference between table sugar and high fructose corn syrup on weight gain or any changes in risk factors for metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
Swimsuit or Sweets? Americans Are Conflicted
May 25, 2010 – As summer approaches, Americans start to dream of sweets. In fact, nearly 30% of those surveyed associate sweet icy treats with summer – ice cream, popsicles and frozen yogurt, to name a few.
Misleading Study on Furans and High Fructose Corn Syrup
May 14, 2010 – A recent study entitled “Furan formation during UV-treatment of fruit juices” issued by Food Chemistry misleads consumers and unnecessarily causes alarm.
Gross Errors in Princeton Animal Study on Obesity and High Fructose Corn Syrup
March 22, 2010 – A March 22, 2010 press release entitled “A sweet problem: Princeton researchers find that high-fructose corn syrup prompts considerably more weight gain” issued by Princeton University was based on a study that used grossly exaggerated intake levels in rats and incorrectly suggested that such results could have significant meaning for humans.
Flaws in Duke University Statement About High Fructose Corn Syrup
March 19, 2010 – A March 18, 2010 press release entitled “High Fructose Corn Syrup Linked to Liver Scarring” issued by Duke University incorrectly singled out high fructose corn syrup as being responsible for scarring in the liver and other liver diseases, when the underlying study for the release reviewed dietary intake of fructose containing beverages – not high fructose corn syrup.
Breakthrough CBS News Health Report: “High Fructose Corn Syrup – It’s Just Sugar”
March 11, 2010 – CBS Evening News with Katie Couric ran a report, “Is high fructose corn syrup really so bad?” prepared by CBS News Correspondent Michelle Miller. In the report, Ms. Miller noted, “High fructose corn syrup is just sugar with an image problem.”
