April 28/Washington/Corn Refiners Association -- Regarding the recent lawsuit filed in the central district of California U.S. district court, Audrae Erickson, president of Corn Refiners Association (CRA), commented, “Sugar is sugar. High fructose corn syrup and sugar are nutritionally and metabolically equivalent; experts have supported this claim, including the American Dietetic Association and the Center for Science in the Public Interest

“The name ‘corn sugar’ more accurately describes this sweetener and helps clarify food products labeling for manufacturers and consumers alike. The Corn Refiners Association petitioned the Food & Drug Administration in September 2010 to more succinctly and accurately describe what this natural ingredient is and where it comes from -- corn.

“High fructose corn syrup makes many healthy foods palatable and affordable for American consumers. It is disappointing that another sweetener would sue the competition for its own gain -- and stand in the way of consumer clarity about added sugars in the diet.

“Simply, this lawsuit is without merit, and we will vigorously defend our right to petition the FDA to clear up consumer confusion about the name.

“We stand by the message in our ads and the science behind it.”

From the May 6, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.