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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Mercury Found in Corn Syrup

Researchers believe contamination comes from corn syrup

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(Newser) – A test of some of America's most popular processed foods has turned up trace amounts of mercury, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. Researchers believe that the mercury, found in levels far lower than in seafood, comes from plants that use caustic soda laced with mercury to produce high-fructose corn syrup, widely used as a sweetener.

Researchers said the tests show processed foods could be a "significant additional source of mercury"—especially worrisome since many of the foods tested are popular with young people—and urged the industry to take steps to avoid contamination. Spokespeople for firms named in the report downplayed its significance, claiming a person would need to eat "100 pounds of ketchup every day" to ingest unsafe levels of mercury.

Researchers have found trace levels of mercury in many big-name processed foods that use high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener.
Researchers have found trace levels of mercury in many big-name processed foods that use high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener.   (©Allen's VISION(????))
Popular foods and drinks, including Coca-Cola, were found to contain mercury, which researchers believe came from plants producing high-fructose corn syrup.
Popular foods and drinks, including Coca-Cola, were found to contain mercury, which researchers believe came from plants producing high-fructose corn syrup.   (©nafmo)
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Mercury is toxic in all its forms. Given how much high-fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, it could be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. - Dr. David Wallinga of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

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4 comments
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Doctor_Zaius
Jan 27, 09 8:34 AM CST
High fructose corn syrup is the devil without mercury. It's all from burning coal for power people. we need a green source of power and we need it now. Reply
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Mad
Jan 27, 09 10:25 AM CST
HFCS is bad because it gives you all the sweetness and calories of sugar and none of the fuel or energy. Consequently, it won't satiate, or make you feel full, it won't destroy your appetite. In the past, drinking a sugared soda would lead to eating fewer calories, but HFCS denies this benefit Reply
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Newser001
Jan 27, 09 10:43 AM CST
Then let's ban the use of caustic soda laced with mercury to produce high-fructose corn syrup. Hello, FDA? Reply
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radnip
Jan 28, 09 3:18 AM CST
What? We now care about the environment? I thought it was more coal, more oil, more people. Who needs clean air, water, food, and space? Certainly not people. Reply
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