...High Fructose corn syrup in the US and UK High fructose corn syrup, also known as Fructose-Glucose syrup, is a liquid sweetener that was created to act as a substitute for regular sugar in the 1950s, and is now used in almost all processed foods in the United States, and to a lesser degree, the United Kingdom. Since its creation, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been used extensively not only in these two countries, but also around the world. It is an ingredient in almost every single mass-produced beverage and food product, however its extensive use has sparked a lot of controversy regarding HFCS and its possible obesity-causing effects, as well as issues of sustainability and agriculture. High fructose corn syrup was so quickly embraced by food producers due to its sweetness comparable to that of sucrose (regular table sugar), its stability, and ease of application. Another part of HFCS’s appeal was that sugar cane was originally grown in places that were both politically and environmentally unstable, and so any fluctuation in either of those factors meant a variation in the worldwide price of sugar. In 1977 the United States imposed a system of sugar tariffs and quotas which significantly raised the price of imported sugar, so producers sought a cheaper alternative, and high fructose corn syrup was the answer. Initial shipments to the United States food industry started in the late 1960s and since then there have been many advancements in its production which have led...
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...High Fructose Corn Syrup: The New Scapegoat to Obesity Recently, the majority of the United States population has been increasingly concerned with the affect of the controversial issue surrounding high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in their diet. Today, about 55 percent of Americans list the infamous sweetener among their food-safety worries, right behind mad cow disease and mercury in seafood, according to the consumer research firm NPD Group (Parker-Pope, 2010). It has caused a major stir in the media, nutritionist and dietitians, food manufacturers, corn refiners and above all, consumers. As a result, there have been opposing conclusions amongst researchers. Of course, there are always two sides of the story. Hence, researchers have conducted numerous and time-consuming lab experiments on rats and human subjects alike to contradict each other’s studies and conclusions. It is a matter of which side to believe and how reliable the information presented. For starter, research claims that HFCS is linked to obesity. However, on the other side of the spectrum, researchers claim that HFCS is nothing less than a table sugar in a liquid form and it actually provides many benefits to processed foods. Although they are in strong opposition, both seem to agree on one thing: Consumption of HFCS moderately may reduce obesity. In doing my research, I learned that high fructose corn syrup is not as dreadful as many inadequately informed consumers make it out to be. The key to...
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...NATIONAL CENTER FOR CASE STUDY TEACHING IN SCIENCE The Case of the Missing Bees: High Fructose Corn Syrup and Colony Collapse Disorder by Jeffri C. Bohlscheid, School of Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID Frank J. Dinan, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY Part I – Changes in the Lives of Bees Almond butter is a delicious, upscale alternative to peanut butter and we love it. But its price has increased nearly three-fold over the last two years while that of peanut butter has changed very little. The reason for this is surprising: almonds are much more dependent on honeybees for pollination than are peanuts. The California almond crop, by far the world’s largest, used an unbelievable 40 billion honeybees to pollinate it in 2005 and about a third of that number of bees is no longer available (Benjamin and McCallum, 2009). Since 2007, nearly a third of the honeybees in North America, Europe, and South America have died for unknown reasons. How important is this to our lives? A U.S. Department of Agriculture/Cornell University study estimates that honeybees pollinate nearly a third of everything that we eat (beeculture.com, 2000). If these bees disappear, fruits, vegetables, and nuts will go with them, meat production will severely decline, and we will be in very bad shape, indeed. Two significant changes have occurred in the world of honeybees in the United States since the mid1970s: (1) there has been a steady increase in the...
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...obesity, and prevention of obesity in children. The overall purpose will be to foster an understanding of the impact high-fructose corn syrup usage in the last 30 years has had in relation to the childhood obesity epidemic. Childhood obesity is not a new problem but it is becoming an epidemic in the United States. Dr. Fals (2009) writes, “this country has been struggling with obesity for well over 20 years now” (p. 1). Most of us can remember when there was maybe one overweight child in a classroom, now there are two to three instead. The National Center for Health Statistics has been conducting surveys since 1963 relating to obesity among children and adolescents in the United States (Ogden, 2010). This is the only organization that has solid scientific history and statistical data available. It appears that obesity was not tracked on a nationwide level prior to 1963. One reason may be that there weren’t enough cases of childhood obesity to raise any red flags up until the 1960s. Since the National Center for Health Statistics have been conducting these surveys, obesity has been showing a continually increasing rate (Marks, 2011). The largest jumps in reported obesity were from the 1976-1980 studies to the 1988-1994 studies. Obesity among children increased from 5.5% to 10.0% on an overall average. That was the largest increase among the 45 years that the study has been...
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...Gaul, Cohen, 2006, para. 3). This has been going on, in some cases, over 10 years (para. 6). As long as you owned the farmland, you don’t even have to be growing anything and you would continue to receive a subsidy check (para. 3). Bottom line is all these billions of dollars in government subsidies contribute to lowering the cost of processed foods; not a good occurrence if you have low-income and cannot afford the high cost of healthier foods. The processed foods are so cheap to buy and are the unhealthiest that can be consumed by any human being. They are high-density, high-calorie, high-fat junk food that the unfortunate and less-advantaged part of our society has no choice but to buy because it is all they can afford. Studies show a strong connection between poverty and obesity, the government should appoint a task force to regulate and limit or repeal farm subsidies and overproduction of certain agriculture commodities like corn that is used to create highly processed, cheaply priced, high-calorie, high-density “junk foods”, so that prices of natural whole foods can once again be competitive and give the low-income consumers healthier food choices, thus contributing to the reduction of obesity. The U.S. budget for government financial subsidies to U.S. farmers is too substantial and needs to be cut back so farmers can’t overproduce commodities like corn, wheat, soy beans to name a few, but especially corn. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) distributes anywhere...
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...use of high fructose corn syrup in food products be limited? Among cereals, sodas, and cookies, high fructose corn syrup is getting more and more common as an ingredient in our foods. High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is used as a common substitute for sugar. It is used in many substances due to the fact that it is steady in acidic foods (White 3). Although we may not notice the difference between sugar and high fructose corn syrup, it may not be suitable for our environment. High fructose corn syrup starts from the harvest of corn. Then, by milling, cornstarch is created. The starch includes glucose, an important carbohydrate in a human’s diet. Using an enzyme, the cornstarch is broken down, making glucose and regular corn syrup. To make the corn syrup into high fructose corn syrup, another enzyme is used to convert glucose into fructose (“How HFCS Is Made”). The enzymes used cause the corn syrup to become sweeter (“High fructose corn syrup”). This energy-intensive...
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...there looking all “sweet”, but I know deep down, you’re just about ready to POP! You know how I know? Because...you’re… corn. “What?” you say, “I’m not corn, I’m a person!” ah-ah-ah, you see, I am a firm believer that you are what you eat; and I’m fairly convinced that you, myself, and everyone else in America, eats corn. <Beat>+<Beat in between sentences> About three years ago I was watching an episode of the Colbert Report in which he pointed out our nation’s insane dependence on corn. It made me realize just how unaware of corn we actually are. A good analogy our situation with corn, is that of the Bourne Series, where a man wakes to find he does not remember anything of his past, and must fight through a corrupted government to find the Truth. Like Mr. Bourne, we have forgotten just what corn means to us, and the hold it has over us. But by examining how our society became rooted in corn, and why our society will never be able to shuck its corn dependence, you can skip the violence and go straight for the understanding. I’ll begin with explaining corn itself, or, The Corn Identity The history of corn is summarized nicely by, surprise surprise, Mike Gibson of Iowa State University: Corn, known as Maize in all but a handful English-speaking countries, is a grain originally domesticated by peoples in Mesoamerica around 2,500 B.C. Corn was the major crop for the Aztecs, Mayas, Incas and various Pueblo dwellers of the southwestern United States. Next, it...
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...on the sale of regular soda: taxes, subsidies, provisions and restrictions. In various outcomes, each policy could provide incentive for individuals toward a healthier lifestyle. Sugar is on the road to becoming America’s next controlled substance. Background: The United States is currently in a dangerous cycle of sugar consumption and disease with nearly two out of every three adults categorized as overweight or obese.(Figure 1,2) Among those characterized, their bodies were given a surplus in calories without an equal response of physical activity. Obesity restricts productivity, lower one’s quality of life, and reduces life expectancy. The excess body fat results in significant health problems such as an increased risk of developing high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, depression and even orthopedic problems. Additionally, the society bears the bulk of the costs associated with America’s extra pounds. Cawley and Meyerhoefer estimated health care costs accumulated up to $209.7 billion a year treating obesity-related health conditions, and this is a large jump compared to the averaged $38 billion obesity costs in the mid ‘80s. These outcomes should be of no surprise to Americans with our substantial reliance on processed foods and larger portion sizes. Besides...
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...Benefit of High-Fructose Corn Syrup Soft drinks, salad dressing, breads, fruits and vegetables, and many processed snacks what is the common dominator for the following popular American food items? They’re all foods that contain a sizeable amount of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)! HFCS is syrup from cornstarch that’s turned into Americas most popular and cheap sweetener for many food products. Starting a few years ago a slew of ad campaigns against and for HFCS invaded American television broadcasting. I was not aware of the positives of the negatives of high fructose corn syrup, and honestly didn’t even know what it was. The advertisements started my line of questioning. After reading part on of The Omnivore’s Dilemma my position on the topic of HFCS is beneficial because the production of the product allows for the development of low cost food items, due to the American government subsidies to corn production. HFCS also allows for the productions of a variety of many low cost food products, which sustain American farmers business with the use of subsidizes. Although many argue HFCS is less health than other types of sweeteners that cost more to produce, research has shown that high fructose corn syrup is chemically similar to table sugar. (Insert Cite) High fructose corn syrup is created when the “molecular composition of glucose and convert it to fructose” (oukosher., 2012). Essentially it’s a process that combines one glucose molecule with one fructose molecule...
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...vitamins A and C, lycopene which is a natural antioxidant, and potassium. The tomato is also used medicinally. The pulp and the juice are digestible, mild aperients (laxative), promoter of gastric secretion, and a very good blood cleanser or purifier. They are considered as an intestinal antiseptic, useful in cancer of the mouth, for sore throat. It stimulates a turpid liver, and is good for dyspepsia. It is highly prescribed for case of biliousness and it promotes the flow of bile. The juice is recommended for asthma, bronchitis, and those who have tuberculosis. One doctor says: “Tomatoes have the richest vitamins of all foods; they are the most wonderful blood cleanser of all foods known to man; the richest of all vegetables with their natural health acids which keep our stomachs and intestines in good condition; they are the most extraordinary cleanser for kidneys, being gentle, natural stimulant which help wash away the poisons that cause disease and contaminate our systems. It is for these reasons that the researchers decided to make the study. Through conceptualizing the procedures of making the tomato candy brittles,...
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...of the market structure and thus the best way to corner the market. Coca Cola segments its products and targets its customers in the following ways; Geographical :- International – The company uses Cane sugar in countries such as Mexico and the Caribbean and High Fructose Corn syrup in the USA. By using cheaper raw materials which are more readily available in certain international markets they are able to maintain a standard product with an affordable price. However this may have an effect on product taste. Climatic – Different products for various climates – Coca-Cola sells more in hotter regions where the demand may be higher as persons seek cold refreshing drinks more. In many tea centric countries such as Britain and The Middle East tea beverages like Honest Tea and Fuze Tea are sold. Local – Certain products are not available in all countries (eg. Del Valle only available in LATAM) Demographic :- Age – Coca Cola is targeted to - children (appeal to their tastes- Vanilla, Cherry and Lime flavors), 15-25 year old (young adults) and 40 plus. Gender – the company targets all genders with various products. Family type – Different sizes cater to several family types and sizes (Single 2L, 20oz case vs. 20oz 6pk) Income – Various sizes in...
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...“Shoppers have gained a renewed appreciation for saving money through home-cooked meals, comparison shopping, store selection, brand preference, coupons and more," said FMI President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie G. Sarasin. “They choose to save money by eating at home but they also believe, overwhelmingly, that the food they eat at home is healthier than eating away from home. It is clear supermarkets are positioned to help their customers save money and help them make healthier choices when it comes to food." According to the FMI report, shoppers are spending an average of $99.90 weekly on groceries, up 1.5 percent compared to last year’s average of $98.40. The three top reasons for choosing a primary store are: Price (75 percent); high-quality fruits and vegetables (73 percent); and items on sale or money-saving specials (67 percent). With saving money at the top of their minds, consumers are buying only what they need and seeking the best value for their money, says the FMI report. They are also using money-saving tactics such as making a shopping list, researching sales, collecting coupons and comparing prices across store formats before going to the store. Once at the store, they are participating in frequent shopper programs, using in-store coupons, buying from specials, stocking up on bargains and purchasing private brands. “Purchasing private brands has become one of the most...
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...From Producer to Consumer The Responsibility of the Market in Free Trade Elissa Hoston Strayer University Free trade has enable consumers and businesses to adjust to each other’s needs. Capitalism has expanded the market to sell its products and pool cheap labour. However, the demand of each component of the market has caused unethical activities that negatively impact the consumer and the producer. On the producer side, unethical activities arise from the pressure to meet performance objectives. Due to this, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was established to protect the consumers from the exploitation of capitalists (Smith, 2011). No matter what laws are established, the consumers are the ones who should take action as they are the ones who can protect themselves from the capitalists’ exploitation. It is the consumers’ responsibility to be informed and educated of the products that they are consuming. Companies produce products depending on the needs of their consumers. These products, before being released in the market, undergo tests and trials to fit the consumer’s needs. Especially in the food industries, the quality of the product is the number one priority of production companies because they know that if only one customer acquire an illness due to the product, the company will be sued for their products. This will cause their products to be pulled out in the market and will cause them a fortune to face the lawsuit. Consumers Responsibility ...
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...Jeanne Eng 2012-04-BUS-421-GS001 Case Study Assignment 1 – Whole Foods Market 1. Does the company’s strategy reflect the company’s mission? Explain. Whole Food’s mission is based on three categories, the food, the people and the planet. They believe in providing natural whole foods through highly trained and passionate employees with the company taking active responsibility for the planet. It is apparent, when examining the company, that their business practices reflect their mission. Using their Product Quality Standards documents as a guideline, it is clear Whole Foods carefully considers which products they do or do not sell. Their buyers often visit the manufacturing plants of suppliers to ensure high standards. In addition to their commitment of only carrying foods that are “free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats” (Whole Foods Market, 2012), they also maintain a list of unacceptable ingredients which include standards like “artificial colors, artificial flavors, hydrogenated fats and high fructose corn syrup” (Whole Foods Market, 2012) and they do not carry products that contain those ingredients. Within the store, Whole Foods takes a team based approached to individual store management and success. Team members are organized around team leaders, which are responsible and empowered to make decisions such as merchandising and operations. Team members are also provided with other avenues for feedback such as an...
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...RISK OF ENTRY Several factors contribute to the risk of entry into the carbonated soft drink (CSD) industry. Although profitable for existing concentrate manufacturers, the carbonated soft drink industry has a low risk of entry. The investment required to achieve competitive economies of scale increases the risk of entry into the market. Investments in capital to furnish the manufacturing plant are relatively low; however, the majority of the expense is in marketing, promotion, advertising, market research, and bottler support. According to the data provided, (Exhibits 4 and 5) concentrate producers spent $1.9 billion dollars in advertising in 2009. This volume of advertising over such a long period creates an extraordinary level of awareness for the Coke and Pepsi brands. The intense rivalry between the two brands also helped create extreme brand loyalty amongst consumers. Coke and Pepsi alike have spent years negotiating with bottlers, retailers, and suppliers to establish absolute cost advantage. Newcomers to the market could not achieve the type of relationships with these essential players in a short period. Bottlers obtain franchise agreements with the concentrate manufacturers and are assigned a geographic territory in which finish product may be distributed. Although concentrate prices are competitive between manufacturers, bottlers are bound by agreement to sell only specific brands and may prohibit bottlers from acquiring new brands. The Soft Drink Interbrand Competition...
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