the REN DAO Wellness Center Blog

Two studies released in January reported detectable levels of Mercury where found in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) used in food products. The first study reports on a 2005 FDA investigation seeking to determine if mercury used in the production of HFCS would be detectable in HFCS. Of 20 plants tested in the U.S., 10 plants had detectable levels of mercury in the HFCS they produced. The FDA did nothing with the findings.

The second study brings the issue closer to home by testing common, brand name foods and beverage products, purchased at a local supermarket. Of the fifty-five products purchased and tested, about one third had detectable levels of mercury.

The lead author of both articles worked at the FDA and conducted the 2005 investigation. He also led the 2008 study preformed by an independent research group. The FDA’s response was “We’re dealing with salmonella. We don’t have time to worry about high-fructose corn syrup.” The Corn Refiners Association is busy airing TV ads promoting the safety of HFCS and stated that the findings are based on old, outdated data.

Caustic soda, a major chemical used in the production of HFCS, can be manufactured a number of ways. The oldest method passes salt water brine through vats containing as much as 8000 pounds of mercury to extract chlorine and to produce other products including caustic soda (lye), sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and hydrochloric acid. The mercury is suppose to be left behind and reused. In actuality mercury residues end up in the manufactured products as well as the waste products and waste water. Mercury is also lost into the air and environment.

These studies link mercury used in the production of caustic soda to the detected levels found in HFCS plants and in popular consumer products purchased in supermarkets. Though these studies only look at mercury contamination, the author infers this can occur with any of hundreds of toxic chemical used in the production of highly processed foods. In an earlier blog entries I wrote about a similar issue withing the refined food oil industry.

Some interesting points found in the report “Not So Sweet: Missing Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup” include:

• In 2003, the nine plants using mercury in the production of caustic soda, reported 38 tons of mercury lost in production of which only 8 tons could be accounted for.

• The USDA reported that one out of every ten calories the average American consumes, comes from HFCS. These numbers are higher for children and teens who tend to consume more soda, sweets and junk foods. The number are also higher in dis-advantaged markets where low cost, low nutrition junk foods are pushed.

• Exposure to mercury contamination (and possible to other toxic materials) in consumer goods is largely avoidable if manufacturer would chose safer, more environmentally safe production methods.

• Then Senator Obama co-sponsored a bill to phase out the use of mercury in the production of caustic soda by by 2012. The bill was not passed.

• The FDA should do a better job overseeing the food industry and end consumers should protect themselves by supporting manufactures that produce healthy foods and by consuming less processed foods and more whole foods.

For more information:

Not So Sweet: Missing Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup. Report from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

WBAI Democracy Now 1/29/2009 Transcript - “Food Safety: Georgia Plant Knowingly Shipped Contaminated Peanuts; Study Links Corn Syrup to Toxic Mercury” with DR. DAVID WALLINGA, Director of food and health at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.