Sweetener
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. The European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 2/5
- Caution
- GRAS
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
The regulatory record at a glance
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): composite 2/5 (Caution) with FDA GRAS and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | - | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Sweetener | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 2 / 5 (Caution) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not in our EFSA data | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): what it is
Sweetener made from corn starch.
Health Concerns
- Linked to obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) among its nationwide catalog-profile peers
Product-count (0) and safety-score (2/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 2/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) safe to consume?
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) scores 2/5 (Caution). FDA status is GRAS. Peer-reviewed flags sit behind the caution band. Check with a clinician for personal use.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) used for in food?
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is commonly used as: Soda, bread, cereal, yogurt, condiments. It belongs to the Sweetener category of food additives.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)?
The FDA classifies High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved". The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Linked to obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.. These findings inform its safety score of 2/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.