Is Corn Syrup Banned In Europe? The Full Guide

Corn syrup has been a controversial topic in recent years, with concerns about its potential health risks and links to obesity and diabetes.

One common misconception is that corn syrup, specifically high fructose corn syrup, is banned in Europe. However, the truth is more complicated than a simple yes or no answer.

In this article, we will explore the regulations surrounding corn syrup in Europe and other parts of the world, as well as the potential health risks associated with its consumption.

So, is corn syrup banned in Europe? Let’s find out.

Is Corn Syrup Banned In Europe?

Contrary to popular belief, corn syrup is not banned in Europe. However, its use is restricted and regulated due to its high fructose content. In the European Union, corn syrup is known as isoglucose or glucose-fructose syrup and is subject to production quotas.

The production cap on corn syrup was lifted in 2017 to reduce the EU’s import of sugars and increase its export potential. This move has caused concern among some researchers and health organizations who believe that corn syrup, particularly high fructose corn syrup, can have adverse effects on health.

Studies have linked high fructose corn syrup consumption to an increased risk of fatty-liver disease, diabetes, and obesity. The American Heart Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics have advised people to limit their intake of corn syrup.

While corn syrup is not banned in Europe, its use is restricted and regulated due to health concerns. It is still widely used in many products in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What Is Corn Syrup?

Corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch. It is commonly used in the food industry as a cheaper alternative to sugar. Corn syrup is made by breaking down corn starch into glucose, which is then further processed to create different levels of sweetness. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a type of corn syrup that has been processed to contain higher levels of fructose. This type of corn syrup is commonly used in the United States and other countries as a sweetener in processed foods, soft drinks, and baked goods. However, due to its high fructose content, its use is restricted and regulated in the European Union.

The Difference Between Corn Syrup And High Fructose Corn Syrup

Corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are both sweeteners made from corn starch. The main difference between them is the amount of fructose they contain.

Corn syrup is made by breaking down corn starch into glucose using enzymes. It is a liquid sweetener that is commonly used in baked goods, candies, and other processed foods. Corn syrup contains only glucose and has a lower sweetness level compared to HFCS.

On the other hand, HFCS is made by converting some of the glucose in corn syrup into fructose using an enzyme called D-xylose isomerase. This process increases the sweetness level of the syrup and makes it a more popular sweetener for soft drinks and other beverages. HFCS can contain up to 55% fructose, which is higher than the fructose content in table sugar.

The higher fructose content in HFCS has been linked to health concerns such as fatty-liver disease, diabetes, and obesity. This has led to restrictions on its use in Europe and other countries.

The Controversy Surrounding Corn Syrup

The controversy surrounding corn syrup stems from its high fructose content and its potential health risks. Some researchers and health organizations believe that consuming high amounts of corn syrup, particularly high fructose corn syrup, can lead to adverse health effects such as fatty-liver disease, diabetes, and obesity.

While the United States Food and Drug Administration states that it is not aware of evidence showing that corn syrup is less safe than traditional sweeteners such as sucrose and honey, studies have suggested otherwise. The University of California Davis School of Medicine released findings that suggest that consuming high fructose corn syrup in large amounts can have adverse effects on metabolism and health.

Despite these concerns, corn syrup is still widely used in many products in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, in the European Union, its use is restricted and regulated due to its high fructose content. While not banned outright, the production cap on corn syrup was lifted in 2017 to reduce the EU’s import of sugars and increase its export potential.

Corn Syrup Regulations In Europe

In the European Union, glucose syrups and glucose-fructose syrups, including corn syrup, are regulated under the EC Directive 2001/111/EC relating to certain sugars intended for human consumption. The ingredient needs to be labeled as glucose syrup if the fructose level in the syrup is below 5%, glucose-fructose syrup if the fructose content is between 5% and 49.9%, and fructose-glucose syrup if the fructose content is between 50% and 95%.

Corn syrup is known as “Fructose-Glucose Syrup” (FGS) when the fructose content in mixture is more than 50%. When fructose is in the minority, it is called “Glucose-Fructose Syrup” (GFS). Isoglucose is glucose-fructose syrups with more than 10% of fructose, as defined in EU legislation.

While corn syrup is not banned in Europe, its use is restricted because of its high fructose content. Until 2017, production was capped by a quota, but now it can be used more freely. However, there are concerns about its health effects, particularly high fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to various health problems. Therefore, corn syrup is subject to strict regulations in the European Union to ensure that it is used safely and responsibly.

Corn Syrup Regulations In Other Parts Of The World

Corn syrup is not just used in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but also in many other parts of the world. While there are no bans on corn syrup in other countries, some nations have implemented regulations to control its use.

For instance, Japan has set a limit on the amount of high fructose corn syrup that can be added to food products. In Australia and New Zealand, food manufacturers are required to label products that contain high fructose corn syrup. In South Africa, there are no specific regulations on the use of corn syrup, but food manufacturers must comply with labeling laws that require them to list all ingredients used in their products.

In some countries, such as Brazil and Argentina, corn syrup is not widely used as a sweetener. Instead, these countries rely on natural sweeteners like cane sugar or honey.

Health Risks Associated With Corn Syrup Consumption

Consuming corn syrup, particularly high fructose corn syrup, has been linked to several health risks. One of the most significant risks is obesity. Studies have shown that regular consumption of high fructose corn syrup can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

In addition to obesity, high fructose corn syrup has been linked to fatty liver disease. The liver is responsible for breaking down and processing fructose, and consuming too much of it can lead to the buildup of fat in the liver. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which can ultimately lead to liver damage.

Consuming high fructose corn syrup has also been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. This is because it can cause insulin resistance, which means that the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Other health risks associated with consuming corn syrup include high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), and leaky gut syndrome. Some studies have even suggested a link between high fructose corn syrup consumption and mercury poisoning.

While corn syrup is not banned in Europe, its use is restricted and regulated due to these health concerns. It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming corn syrup and to limit their intake as much as possible.