Tuesday, March 2, 2010

My Ban on HFCS



Finally got a response from Panera Bread on the fact that their foods and drinks contain High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Dear Casey,

Thank you for contacting Panera Bread. High fructose corn syrup is an FDA-approved and wide-used sweetener. It is derived from corn, a natural source, and it fits within industry guidelines for all-natural products. Corn syrups are hydrolyzed using enzymes, also naturally occurring, and the end product is a sweetener blend (glucose and fructose) that is also found naturally.

We are following the most recent scientific studies regarding the use of high fructose corn syrup. To date, there is no strong evidence to support the claims that it is responsible for obesity or is any more or less healthy than cane sugar or other sweeteners. If the evidence should prove differently in the future, we will act accordingly.

Again, thank you for contacting us. We appreciate your business and value all your comments.

Sincerely,
Chris
Customer Comment Coordinator



Maybe I'm biased, but here's my response:

Dear Chris,

Thank you for the response, although I don't agree with your logic at all. You said "derived" from corn. Yes, that part is a natural source, but what about all the other toxic ingredients used to make High Fructose Corn Syrup? What about using corn that's genetically modified in the first place? You don't see an organic HFCS because it is not naturally found on this earth in that form.

I'd much rather eat or drink REAL sugar that something created in a lab.

I would think that a company like Panera Bread would be ahead of the "industry standard" and making a name that's known for being wholesome with foods made from completely real and natural ingredients. Instead Panera is just another corporate conformist company behind the times.

Thank goodness you have complete nutritional data on your site. You won't find me eating at your restaurant anymore... at least until you ban HFCS.

Thanks anyway,
Casey Ellis



Join the Facebook group: BAN HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP IN THE US

Jason's Deli was the first U.S. restaurant to ban HFCS in their products in 2008. Just last year Starbucks also revamped their menu to omit all artificial flavors, artificial trans fats, artificial dyes, and high-fructose corn syrup. Thank goodness!


Sounds like I will be boycotting Panera Bread for a very long time...

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Chef Hymie Grande (www.chefhymiegrande.com ) is the first and only bottled BBQ sauce to carry the seal of the American Diabetes Association on the label. It has no high fructose corn syrup, no processed sugar, it is all natural and vegan friendly. It is produced by Jamie Failtelson, a.k.a. Chef Hymie Grande of Carlstadt, NJ. 5% of proceeds go to the American Diabetes Association.

Jenn @leftoverqueen said...

Good for you! I haven't been to Panera in a long time, guess that is a good thing!