Some food and drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup may have detectable levels of mercury, according to a new report published on the web site of the Minneapolis-based nonprofit institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP).

 

Tests showed detectable levels of mercury in 17 out of 55 tested products rich in high-fructose corn syrup. Those traces turned up in name-brand products such as Nutri-Grain Strawberry Cereal Bars, Quaker Oatmeal to go bars, Hershey's Chocolate Syrup, Yoplait Strawberry yogurt, Market Pantry Grape Jelly and Coca-Cola.

 

“Mercury is toxic in all its forms. Given how much high-fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, it could be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. We are calling for immediate changes by industry and the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] to help stop this avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply,” the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Dr. David Wallinga, co-author of the report, said in a statement.

 

Even a small amount of mercury can be seriously unhealthy. It can cause severe neurological disorders. It can also lead to the loss of hair, teeth and nail as well as muscle weakness, loss of kidney function and emotional mood swings.

 

However, more research is needed to see what foods are affected. The researchers caution that the tests don’t offer sufficient evidence to give definitive advice to consumers.

The effects of high fructose corn syrup are well-known: it can cause obesity and diabetes.

Parents are advised to avoid giving their kids soda, sugar cereals and sweetened yogurts due to their concentration of artificial sweetener.