As if there werent enough things that have toxic chemicals in them now it seems that high fructose corn syrup is one more to add to the list.  Now I’m sure many of us try to avoid this anyway seeing that we know sugar isnt that healthy for us but you many not even realize how many foods contain this.  Many condiments, salad dressings, cereals, yogurts, lunch meats, and prepared breads and baked goods contain hfcs as well as sodas and sweets that you might expect.  Aside from healthy eating in general it has now been proven that hfcs tests positive for mercury! 

In a study published by Environmental Health, researchers found that almost half the samples of hfcs had detectable levels of mercury.  Another study found that one in three of 55 brand name foods contained mercury where hfcs is the first or second ingredient.  Mercury in all its forms is toxic and considering how much hfcs some children and teens may be ingesting it could be a significant amount to consider.  The average person takes in about 12 teaspoons of hfcs per day but many teens and consumers may ingest up to 80% more than the average person.

Have you seen the new commercials for hfcs now from the corn refiners association?  They are trying to make it seem that hfcs is just the same as sugar and in moderation its just fine because its made from corn.  Funny how there is no mention of mercury in the process!  The use of mercury containing caustic soda in the process to make hfcs is where the contamination occurs.  The refiners association is quick to say that there are now mercury free versions of this process but the truth is that there are four major plants that still use the older technology and produce hfcs with caustic soda. 

Once again it seems that the FDA is no where to be found when it comes to dangers in our foods.  If there are mercury free alternatives shouldnt there be a mandate that hfcs producers must use these methods?  There is no way to tell which version of hfcs is in products so you wont be able to tell if yours is the contaminated version or not so according to this research you have a 50/50 chance of getting mercury in your food. 

We all know that eating alot of sugar and processed food is not a healthy way to eat but now this is just one more reason to watch what your kids are eating and drinking.  So many “juice” drinks contain hfcs so its important to pay attention to what your buying in the grocery store for your family.  If possible cut down on your consumption of prepared and processed foods and opt for natural ingredients that you can put together yourself. 

www.theorganicmommy.org