The Editor, Sir:

The October 2 article 'Dining with Emma - Whose decision to eat high fructose corn syrup?' may mislead consumers about high fructose corn syrup.

High fructose corn syrup, sugar, and several fruit juices are all nutritionally the same. High fructose corn syrup has the same number of calories as sugar and is handled similarly by the body.

Safe for use

In 1983, the United States Food and Drug Administration formally listed high fructose corn syrup as safe for use in food and reaffirmed that decision in 1996.

The American Medical Asso-ciation in June 2008 helped put to rest misunderstandings about this sweetener and obesity, stating that "high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners".

Consumers can see the latest research and learn more about high fructose corn syrup at www.HFCSfacts.com and www.SweetSurprise.com.

I am, etc.,

AUDRAE ERICKSON

comments@corn.org

President

Corn Refiners Association

Washington, DC 20006