Corn Refiners and Sugar Association Settle Lawsuit

On November 20th, corn refiners and sugar companies reached a settlement in their ongoing legal dispute. In 2011, sugar companies filed suit claiming that the corn refiners campaign promoting HFCS as ‘corn sugar’ and ‘natural’ were false asking for $1.1 billion in compensatory damages. Corn refiners countersued for $530 million suggesting that the Sugar Association was promoting false information and creating fear about the safety of HFCS.

The lawsuits went to trial on November 3rd and were poised to result in a great deal of damage for the entire sweetener industry. Terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. Plaintiffs and defendants issued statements pledging to encourage ‘safe and healthful use of their products…’.