Two new US studies have shown a disturbing fact. Almost half of tested samples of commercial high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contained mercury, which was also found in nearly a third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products, where HFCS is the first- or second-highest labeled ingredient.

HFCS usually replaces sugar as the sweetener in many beverages and foods, like cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats or soups. Americans consume about 12 teaspoons per day of HFCS, but teens and other high consumers can take in 80 percent more HFCS than average. It’s clear for everyone that mercury is toxic in all its forms and everyone wants the FDA to stop this avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply.

The first study was published in the current issue of Environmental Health, and researchers found detectable levels of mercury in nine out of 20 samples of commercial HFCS. The second study, conducted by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), a non-profit watchdog group, found that nearly one in three of 55-brand name foods contained mercury, as the chemical was found most commonly in HFCS-containing dairy products, dressings and condiments.

However, the Corn Refiners Association, for example, says that the study is based on outdated information of dubious significance. They say the industry is using mercury-free versions of the two re-agents mentioned in the study, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda, for several years. These mercury-free re-agents perform important functions, such as adjusting pH balances.

The use of mercury-contaminated caustic soda in the production of HFCS is common, and the contamination occurs when mercury cells are used to produce caustic soda. It remains to be seen on what decision the FDA will take regarding this case.