The Corn Refiners Association thinks high fructose corn syrup has gotten a bad reputation so they are petitioning the federal government to change its name.
The trade group has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to allow manufacturers the option of using the name "corn sugar" instead.
High fructose corn syrup has been widely criticized by nutritionists and health experts as contributing to the country's obesity problem. It is found in just about all the food that is consumed - from soda to cereal to ketchup and bread.
The corn refiners group argues that it is no worse than sugar. Both are half glucose and half sugar and metabolized by the body in the same way, the group argues.
The group thinks "corn sugar" more accurately describes the make up of high fructose corn syrup - a natural ingredient that comes from corn. They say all sugars should be eaten in moderation to avoid weight gain.
"The last thing we want is for Americans to think that avoiding high fructose corn syrup is the answer,"dietician Carolyn O'Neil said in a release put out by the group. "All added sugars should be."
What do you guys think? Has high fructose corn syrup gotten a bad rep? Or is it something we all truly need to avoid?
(Associated Press photo of a corn maze.)