Safety of HFCS

Why does the U.S. government confirm the safety of high fructose corn syrup?

Over the past several years, the unfounded speculation that high fructose corn syrup is somehow different from other sweeteners such as sugar and honey has put the question in many consumers’ minds: Is high fructose corn syrup safe? The answer is yes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration formally listed high fructose corn syrup as safe for use in food in 1983 and reaffirmed that decision in 1996.1

This assurance of safety is based on science and expert review. As noted by sweetener expert John White, Ph.D. in a review of the history, composition, availability and characteristics of high fructose corn syrup, “Its safety was never seriously doubted because expert scientific panels in every decade since the 1960s drew the same conclusion: sucrose, fructose, glucose, and, latterly, HFCS did not pose a significant health risk, with the single exception of promoting dental caries.”2

In its 1996 decision on the safety of high fructose corn syrup, the FDA recognized the similarities between high fructose corn syrup and other common sweeteners stating, “the saccharide composition (glucose to fructose ratio) of HFCS is approximately the same as that of honey, invert sugar and the disaccharide sucrose [table sugar].”3

In addition to government-convened expert panels, professional organizations have also reviewed the science and safety of high fructose corn syrup. The American Medical Association (AMA) conducted a review of articles and research on high fructose corn syrup. The medical group concludedthat "there is insufficient evidence to restrict use of HFCS or other fructose-containing sweeteners in the food supply.” Similar to the findings by the FDA, the AMA report acknowledged the similarity in composition of high fructose corn syrup and sugar. "Because the composition of HFCS and sucrose are so similar, particularly on absorption by the body, it appears unlikely that HFCS contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose."4

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) considered the use of high fructose corn syrup in the food supply in its position on sweeteners concluding, “… consumers can safely enjoy a range of nutritive and nonnutritive sweeteners when consumed in a diet that is guided by current federal nutrition recommendations … as well as individual health goals.”5

Further, the ADA issued a paper on high fructose corn syrup that confirmed its standing among other sweeteners noting, “The source of the added sugar — whether sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, honey or fruit juice concentrate — should not be of concern; rather it is the amount of total calories that is important.”6

Consumers can also find confidence in the fact that for nearly 40 years, high fructose corn syrup has been used as a safe ingredient by food and beverage manufacturers.

1)  48 Fed. Reg. 5716 (February 8, 1983). 21 CFR 182.1866. Substances Generally Recognized as Safe; High Fructose Corn Syrup and Insoluble Glucose Isomerase Enzyme Preparations – Final Rule.
53 Fed. Reg. 44904 (November 7, 1988), 21 C.F.R. Parts 182 and 184. Proposed Affirmation of GRAS Status of High Fructose Corn Syrup - Proposed Rule.
61 Fed. Reg. 43447 (August 23, 1996), 21 C.F.R. 184.1866. Direct Food Substances Affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe; High Fructose Corn Syrup - Final Rule.

2) White JS. 2008. Straight talk about high-fructose corn syrup: what it is and what it ain't. Am J Clin Nutr 88(6):1716S-1721S.

3) 61 Fed. Reg. 43447 (August 23, 1996), 21 C.F.R. 184.1866. Direct Food Substances Affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe; High Fructose Corn Syrup - Final Rule.

4) American Medical Association. 2008. Report 3 of the Council on Science and Public Health (A-08).

5) American Dietetic Association. 2004. Use of nutritive and nonnutritive sweeteners. J Am Diet Assoc 104:255-275.

6) Clark KS. December 2008. Hot Topics, “High Fructose Corn Syrup and Weight Status.” American Dietetic Association.