Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: [link]
- The substance hydroxymethylfurfural forms mainly from heating fructose, the sweetener in beverages and processed foods. Levels jump dramatically at about 120 degrees.
- Some commercial beekeepers also feed corn syrup to bees to increase reproduction and honey production. When exposed to warm temperatures, corn syrup derivative compounds can kill honeybees.
- Studies have linked hydroxymethylfurfural to DNA damage in humans. In addition, corn syrup derivative compounds break down in the body to other substances potentially more harmful.
Another slap on the hand. Corn is important and corn syrup has its place, but it seems we need to look carefully at our policies.