High Fructose Corn Syrup Illegal In Europe
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener that is commonly added to processed foods and drinks in the United States. However, it is illegal in Europe, where it has been banned for years. In this article, we will explore why HFCS is illegal in Europe and what this means for consumers.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High-fructose corn syrup is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. It is commonly used in the United States as a substitute for sucrose in processed foods and drinks. HFCS is cheaper than sucrose, and it has a longer shelf life. It is also easier to transport and handle than sucrose, as it is a liquid instead of a solid.
HFCS is made by converting corn starch into glucose. Enzymes are then added to the glucose to convert some of it into fructose. The resulting mixture is then blended to create a sweetener that is much sweeter than sucrose.
Why is High Fructose Corn Syrup Banned in Europe?
HFCS has been banned in Europe for years. The European Union (EU) decided to ban HFCS in 2010, citing health concerns. The EU concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that HFCS was safe for human consumption.
Some studies have linked high-fructose corn syrup consumption to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other health problems. The EU based its decision to ban HFCS on these studies.
The EU also concluded that HFCS was not a natural food ingredient. The EU requires food additives to be natural whenever possible. HFCS is not natural, as it is heavily processed and contains artificial ingredients.
What Does the Ban Mean for Consumers?
The ban on high-fructose corn syrup in Europe means that it cannot be used as an ingredient in food or drinks sold in the EU. Companies that want to sell their products in Europe must find alternatives to HFCS.
In the United States, however, HFCS is still commonly used in processed foods and drinks. It is estimated that Americans consume an average of 60 pounds of HFCS per year.
Consumers who are concerned about the health effects of HFCS can look for products that do not contain it. Some companies have started to remove HFCS from their products due to consumer demand. However, it can be difficult to find products without HFCS, as it is so prevalent in processed foods and drinks in the United States.
Conclusion
High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is commonly used in processed foods and drinks in the United States. However, it is illegal in Europe due to health concerns and the EU's requirement that food additives be natural whenever possible. Consumers who are concerned about the health effects of HFCS can look for products that do not contain it. However, HFCS is so prevalent in processed foods and drinks in the United States that it can be difficult to find products without it.
