As if being a possible root cause of increasing diabetes and skyrocketing obesity were not enough, now we can add mercury contamination as a serious issue with this country’s growing reliance on high fructose corn syrup.

Two studies (the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and Environmental Health) released this week found that there were measurable levels of mercury found in HFCS. While the levels are arguably very small, the concern is that Americans consume large amounts of HFCS as it has become the “go to” sweetener for beverages and foods. In 2004, it was estimated that 40% of all caloric sweeteners added to beverages and foods. According to the reports, on average, Americans consume about 12 teaspoons per day of HFCS, but teens and other high consumers can take in 80 percent more HFCS than average.

“Mercury is toxic in all its forms,” said IATP’s David Wallinga, M.D., and a co-author in both studies. “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 FDA to help stop this avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply.”

The Environmental Health report showed that mercury was found in 9 of 20 samples of commercial HFCS, and the IATP study found “nearly one in three of 55 brand-name foods contained mercury. The chemical was found most commonly in HFCS-containing dairy products, dressings and condiments. ” Products with the highest levels found include: Quaker Oatmeal to Go, Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce, Hershey’s Syrup, Kraft Original BBQ Sauce, and Nutri-Grain Strawberry Cereal Bars. Others on the list? Coca-Cola, Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt, Smucker’s Strawberry Jelly and Pop Tarts Frosted Blueberry. Check the IATP Report – pg 14 – for the complete list.

Scary, huh? The worst part? Is it is resultant from the manufacturing process – and is completely avoidable. There are options that would eliminate the mercury contamination – but many companies choose to use the cheaper but more toxic process.

Summaries of the reports can be found in US News and World Report and the Washington Post as well as many other publications.

So for real – REALLY – can this country not give us SAFE food products? What is going on? Never mind that the FDA has been whittled away to be essentially a shell of an organization. But what happened to companies caring about food safety? With all the toxins that are getting into our food and water these days – it’s no wonder that things like food allergies are skyrocketing. Something has to be done!

Meantime, if you haven’t started already, read labels and do whatever you can to avoid HFCS. You’ll be amazed at how hard it is to do – but clearly it is worth it!