irreality

We already knew this stuff might be bad for us, but now researchers from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minnesota are reporting that nearly half of the 20 samples they tested contained  mercury.  A total of nine samples contained trace amounts of mercury, with one sample having as much as 0.57 micrograms per gram.

The source of the metal appears to be caustic soda and hydrochloric acid, which manufacturers of corn syrup use to help convert corn kernels into the food additive.

…the average American consumes about 12 teaspoons of it (high-fructose corn syrup) daily, according to federal estimates

An FDA spokesman said he still was waiting for a response to the study. Industry representatives, meanwhile, said the study was outdated.

“It is important that Americans are provided accurate, science-based information,” Audrae Erickson, president of the Corn Refiners Association, said in a statement. “They should know that high fructose corn syrup is safe.”

But you know?  I think I’ll pass just the same, Ms. Erickson -

In another statement, the Chlorine Institute said: “It is conceivable that measurable mercury content can be found in high fructose corn syrup regardless of how it is processed.”

Yikes.