Understanding the Renewed "High Fructose Corn Syrup" Debate in America from a Japanese Perspective: Isomerized Sugar, Ultra-Processed Foods, Health Risks, and Our Choices

Table of Contents

1. What the NYT Article Revealed About the "Resurging Sweetener Debate"

2. Basics of High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Structure, Types, and Uses

3. How "Isomerized Sugar" is Referred to in Japanese and Where It Is Found

4. Reviewing Evidence on Health Impacts: Obesity, Fatty Liver, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases

5. The "Ultra-Processed Foods" Issue and HFCS: From Individual Nutrients to the Entire Food Environment

6. Return to Sugar? "Low Sugar" Strategies? Recent Moves in the U.S. Beverage Industry

7. Stances and Gaps of WHO, FDA, and Japan (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare/Consumer Affairs Agency)

8. Effects of Taxation and Regulation: What Sugar Taxes Have Changed in Mexico and Other Countries

9. Practical Guide to Reading Labels: How to Distinguish Ingredients and "Free Sugars"

10. Pros and Cons of Alternative and Natural Sweeteners: Stevia, Erythritol, etc.

11. Corporations, ESG, and Sustainability: The Corn Industry and Environmental Impact

12. Conclusion: Seven Actions Japanese Readers Can Take Starting Today
    
    

1. What the NYT Article Revealed About the "Resurging Sweetener Debate"

The NYT article highlighted the resurgence of the "villain" vs. "exoneration" debate surrounding HFCS, and introduced the current trend in the U.S. beverage industry towards returning to sugar in branding strategies and expanding lines of low-sugar and sugar-free products. This is against a backdrop of rising health consciousness, criticism of ultra-processed foods, and competition over brand image.PMCTimes Union

2. Basics of High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Structure, Types, and Uses

HFCS is a liquid sweetener derived from corn starch broken down by enzymes, with adjusted ratios of fructose and glucose, primarily used in the U.S. as "HFCS-42" and "HFCS-55" (42%/55% fructose).U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationWikipedia

HFCS-42 is common in baked goods and cereals, while HFCS-55 is prevalent in carbonated beverages.U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Fructose is primarily metabolized by the liver, and excessive intake is noted to promote triglyceride production.National Institutes of Health (NIH)Cleveland Clinic

3. How "Isomerized Sugar" is Referred to in Japanese and Where It Is Found

In Japan, according to JAS standards and food labeling regulations, names vary based on fructose content, such as "glucose-fructose syrup," "fructose-glucose syrup," and "high fructose syrup."Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesMinistry of Health, Labour and Welfare

It is widely used in soft drinks, sports drinks, sweets, seasonings, and processed bread. Additionally, products mixed with sugar, such as "sugar-mixed glucose-fructose syrup," are also required to be labeled.Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesMinistry of Health, Labour and Welfare

4. Reviewing Evidence on Health Impacts: Obesity, Fatty Liver, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases

• Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Several studies suggest that excessive fructose intake can enhance lipid synthesis in the liver, potentially increasing body fat and insulin resistance.Cleveland ClinicNational Institutes of Health (NIH)
  
  

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): There are reports linking high fructose intake to an increased risk of NAFLD.National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  
  

• Diabetes, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia: Systematic reviews show that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with increased risk of lifestyle diseases, with excessive sugar intake being central.PMC
  
  

• However, some studies argue that "HFCS is not particularly more harmful than sugar (sucrose)," emphasizing the importance of overall calorie intake and dietary patterns.PMC

5. The "Ultra-Processed Foods" Issue and HFCS: From Individual Nutrients to the Entire Food Environment

According to the NOVA classification, "ultra-processed foods" are most closely linked to health risks, and HFCS is often cited as one of its emblematic ingredients.PMCeatrightpro.org

However, recent studies also point out that "not all ultra-processed foods carry the same risk," suggesting that differences may arise based on the presence of dietary fiber and nutritional fortification.The Sun

6. Return to Sugar? "Low Sugar" Strategies? Recent Moves in the U.S. Beverage Industry

In the U.S., "cola made with sugar" has become a marketing differentiator, with the popularity of "Mexican Coke" using Mexican sugar and reports of a resurgence in sugar products.Times Union

Meanwhile, the market for zero-sugar and low-sugar beverages is also expanding, with a trend towards "clean labeling" of sweeteners, reflecting consumer sensitivity to sweetener names themselves.PMC

7. Stances and Gaps of WHO, FDA, and Japan (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare/Consumer Affairs Agency)

• WHO: Recommends free sugars to be less than 10% of total energy intake (ideally below 5%).World Health OrganizationAGES

• FDA: Positions HFCS as safe as a food additive, with 42%/55% products being the main types.U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Japan (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare): The 2025 dietary guidelines do not set numerical targets for sugars. It is noted that understanding the current situation and establishing a research foundation are challenges.Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

• Labeling System (Consumer Affairs Agency/Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries): Names are classified and ingredient labeling is mandated based on fructose content.Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesMinistry of Health, Labour and Welfare

8. Effects of Taxation and Regulation: What Sugar Taxes Have Changed in Mexico and Other Countries

Mexico introduced a 1 peso/L tax on sugary drinks in 2014, significantly reducing purchase volumes.PMCScienceDirect

Reviews from other countries also report an average reduction of about 10% in purchases.WIRED##