...Case of the Missing Bees: High Fructose Corn Syrup and Colony Collapse Disorder by Jeffri C. Bohlscheid, School of Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID Frank J. Dinan, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY Part I – Changes in the Lives of Bees Almond butter is a delicious, upscale alternative to peanut butter and we love it. But its price has increased nearly three-fold over the last two years while that of peanut butter has changed very little. The reason for this is surprising: almonds are much more dependent on honeybees for pollination than are peanuts. The California almond crop, by far the world’s largest, used an unbelievable 40 billion honeybees to pollinate it in 2005 and about a third of that number of bees is no longer available (Benjamin and McCallum, 2009). Since 2007, nearly a third of the honeybees in North America, Europe, and South America have died for unknown reasons. How important is this to our lives? A U.S. Department of Agriculture/Cornell University study estimates that honeybees pollinate nearly a third of everything that we eat (beeculture.com, 2000). If these bees disappear, fruits, vegetables, and nuts will go with them, meat production will severely decline, and we will be in very bad shape, indeed. Two significant changes have occurred in the world of honeybees in the United States since the mid1970s: (1) there has been a steady increase in the amount of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) consumed by honeybees...
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...use of high fructose corn syrup in food products be limited? Among cereals, sodas, and cookies, high fructose corn syrup is getting more and more common as an ingredient in our foods. High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is used as a common substitute for sugar. It is used in many substances due to the fact that it is steady in acidic foods (White 3). Although we may not notice the difference between sugar and high fructose corn syrup, it may not be suitable for our environment. High fructose corn syrup starts from the harvest of corn. Then, by milling, cornstarch is created. The starch includes glucose, an important carbohydrate in a human’s diet. Using an enzyme, the cornstarch is broken down, making glucose and regular corn syrup. To make the corn syrup into high fructose corn syrup, another enzyme is used to convert glucose into fructose (“How HFCS Is Made”). The enzymes used cause the corn syrup to become sweeter (“High fructose corn syrup”). This energy-intensive...
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...problems of the over usage of high fructose corn syrup. Introduction Today, it is inevitable to face negative effects of high fructose corn syrup because high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has replaced cane and beet sugar in processed foods and soft drinks over the past 25 years. When you read the food labels in your kitchen you’ll find that we now consume HFCS in all kinds of processed foods, not just desserts and drinks also in breads, cereals, ketchup and yogurt so you will easily realize that you associate with the devil by consuming devil’s candy. However, despite the alarming damages of HFCS there is a huge demand for HFCS by firms and governments. Profit concerns and governmental issues are the major reasons behind demand but also there are some problems related to consumers. In this proposal it is intended to investigate the problems behind the over usage of HFCS and offer solutions against that danger, select the criteria to evaluate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed solutions and finally introduce the research methodology constituted the basis of my further research. Problem Definition There are some problems caused by people, firms and governments lead us to over use HFCS. The followings are the most crucial problems behind this issue; I. Ignorance People don’t know the difference between corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. They think they are same but they are not. Corn syrup is mainly glucose produced from corn starch. There is no naturally...
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...Benefit of High-Fructose Corn Syrup Soft drinks, salad dressing, breads, fruits and vegetables, and many processed snacks what is the common dominator for the following popular American food items? They’re all foods that contain a sizeable amount of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)! HFCS is syrup from cornstarch that’s turned into Americas most popular and cheap sweetener for many food products. Starting a few years ago a slew of ad campaigns against and for HFCS invaded American television broadcasting. I was not aware of the positives of the negatives of high fructose corn syrup, and honestly didn’t even know what it was. The advertisements started my line of questioning. After reading part on of The Omnivore’s Dilemma my position on the topic of HFCS is beneficial because the production of the product allows for the development of low cost food items, due to the American government subsidies to corn production. HFCS also allows for the productions of a variety of many low cost food products, which sustain American farmers business with the use of subsidizes. Although many argue HFCS is less health than other types of sweeteners that cost more to produce, research has shown that high fructose corn syrup is chemically similar to table sugar. (Insert Cite) High fructose corn syrup is created when the “molecular composition of glucose and convert it to fructose” (oukosher., 2012). Essentially it’s a process that combines one glucose molecule with one fructose molecule...
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...High Fructose Corn Syrup and Your Health English 147 Advanced English Composition Chamberlain College of Nursing/DeVry University June 01, 2016 High Fructose Corn Syrup and Your Health Introduction: Your food might be killing you. No one wants to die and no one wants to be fat, yet hundreds of thousands of Americans die every year because of obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity and overweight people (defined by high body mass index or BMI) suffer from the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States (NIH, 2012). Almost 70% of the U.S. adult population is defined as overweight or obese (per BMI), with an estimated 300,000 attributed deaths per year (NIH, 2012). We learn in healthcare that any disease spreading at a rate faster than expected is considered epidemic. There has been great consternation about the rise in obesity and other health-related problems that is out of proportion with our increase in population. This paper will question whether the addition of fructose and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in beverage and food items has contributed to this problem. There are popular theories about decreased physical activity or perhaps the dissolution of the nuclear family mealtime as possible sources for increased obesity rates. Yet time and time again scientific food research has observed changing trends in eating habits, food choice, and ingredient additives as likely causation. The data that I have found...
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...Assessment 2: Group Research Proposal Project “The effect of soft drinks on human weight” Done By: Dana Sahwan 201000400 Maryam Ali 201000402 Zahra Almeshaimea 201000392 Hawra Ali 201000334 Abrar Almajed 201000333 1/3/2013 Bahrain Polytechnic Luke Snelling Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction. 3 1.1 Abstract. 3 1.2 Relevance to the Bahrain Business Community. 3 2.0 Main Body. 3 2.1 Literature Review. 3 2.2 Methods. 7 3.0 Conclusion 8 3.1 Time. 8 3.2 Cost. 8 3.3 Examiners. 8 3.4 Sources. 9 3.5 Final Result. 9 4.0 Bibliography 10 1.0 Introduction. 1.1 Abstract. This proposal aims to test the effect of soft drinks on the human weight. This topic is vital because obesity leads to serious deceases and stops people from participating in the simplest activities, and in terms corrupts the living of a normal lifestyle. The methods we are aiming to use are experiments and interviews. 1.2 Relevance to the Bahrain Business Community. Researches were conducted on the effect of drinking soft drinks on a human’s body, clarify that it would increase the chances of getting overweight. Overweight can lead to serious deceases, such as strokes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, Bahraini businesses would be exposed to the possibility of reduced productivity rate, because of the consumption of soft drinks on their employees. As a result of reduced productivity, a company's profit can possibly be minimized which in terms could...
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...Food Product Design FMI Reveals Grocery Shopper Trends October 29, 2010 0 Comments Posted in News, Economics, Market Research, Market Trends, Consumer Preference, Dairy, Snack Foods, Beverages, Frozen / Refrigerated Foods, Confectionery, Fruits / Vegetables, Bakery / Cereal, Private Label Print ARLINGTON, Va.—It’s all about the deal for today’s grocery shopper, according to “U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2010," a report from the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). “Shoppers have gained a renewed appreciation for saving money through home-cooked meals, comparison shopping, store selection, brand preference, coupons and more," said FMI President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie G. Sarasin. “They choose to save money by eating at home but they also believe, overwhelmingly, that the food they eat at home is healthier than eating away from home. It is clear supermarkets are positioned to help their customers save money and help them make healthier choices when it comes to food." According to the FMI report, shoppers are spending an average of $99.90 weekly on groceries, up 1.5 percent compared to last year’s average of $98.40. The three top reasons for choosing a primary store are: Price (75 percent); high-quality fruits and vegetables (73 percent); and items on sale or money-saving specials (67 percent). With saving money at the top of their minds, consumers are buying only what they need and seeking the best value for their money, says the FMI report. They are also using...
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...the opponent almost in the same manner or countered in a different fashion. As the CSD market has become more consolidated and saturated and as consumer demand and taste has changed, both companies shifted their attention to emerging nations and other major international markets as well as on other areas where they could grow their businesses (e.g. non-cola beverages and snack foods). The CSD industry involves the concentrate producers selling syrup (and sometimes sweetener) to bottlers, who add carbonated water and high fructose corn syrup to the concentrate, bottle or can, package and ship it food stores, fountain outlets, vending machines, convenience stores, and other outlet. Recently, both Coca-Cola and Pepsi Co. have pursued a strategic plan of backwards integration, consolidating their bottlers into one company. Summarizing on the supply chain and competitive nature of this industry, profitability mainly arises due to the short supply chain, low material costs, low fixed costs, efficient supplier/distributor networks, and high entry barriers for new competitors. Alternatives and Evaluation 1. Reposition Brand Image Align With Social Values and Attitudes Brand...
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...there looking all “sweet”, but I know deep down, you’re just about ready to POP! You know how I know? Because...you’re… corn. “What?” you say, “I’m not corn, I’m a person!” ah-ah-ah, you see, I am a firm believer that you are what you eat; and I’m fairly convinced that you, myself, and everyone else in America, eats corn. <Beat>+<Beat in between sentences> About three years ago I was watching an episode of the Colbert Report in which he pointed out our nation’s insane dependence on corn. It made me realize just how unaware of corn we actually are. A good analogy our situation with corn, is that of the Bourne Series, where a man wakes to find he does not remember anything of his past, and must fight through a corrupted government to find the Truth. Like Mr. Bourne, we have forgotten just what corn means to us, and the hold it has over us. But by examining how our society became rooted in corn, and why our society will never be able to shuck its corn dependence, you can skip the violence and go straight for the understanding. I’ll begin with explaining corn itself, or, The Corn Identity The history of corn is summarized nicely by, surprise surprise, Mike Gibson of Iowa State University: Corn, known as Maize in all but a handful English-speaking countries, is a grain originally domesticated by peoples in Mesoamerica around 2,500 B.C. Corn was the major crop for the Aztecs, Mayas, Incas and various Pueblo dwellers of the southwestern United States. Next, it...
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...your mind to see how harmful the soda can be to your body. One: Soda has high fructose corn syrup. Two: Diet coke is worse than regular coke. Three: Soda is very high in calories. My first reason is because many sodas contain high fructose corn syrup which is harmful to your body. First of all soft drinks with high fructose corn syrup contributes to the development of diabetes, mostly in young children. It can also cause tissue damage which could cause you to get diseases; high fructose corn syrup can also cause obesity. Soda can also raise your blood sugar along with bad cholesterol and make it more likely to have a heart attack. My second reason is about the type of sodas and why soft drinks (Coke, Pepsi, etc.) that claim they are diet is even more unhealthy for you. First of all diet coke is worse for you than regular soda. diet coke can make you become at risk of diabetes and cause obesity. If you drink one can of diet soda a day you have more of a chance to of developing metabolic syndrome than those who drink none at all. Diet coke also contains more calories than regular sodas all together. My third reason is soda (regular or diet) is high in calories along with sugar/carbohydrates. All sodas have highs and lows in two things sugar and calories. Regular soda is higher in calories than in sugar and diet soda is high in sugar than in calories. The reason people may get high blood sugar while drinking soda is because of the amount of sugar/carbohydrates...
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...Market Analysis Coca Cola Market Size Coca Cola is one of the leading beverage companies in Pakistan. It covers the large market segment. From the facts it is revealed that the market for coca cola as mentioned in the SWOT analysis segment is encouraging. It is the second largest usage in Pakistan. Still it has a great potential in Pakistan market. It focusers on it deficiencies and try to over come it than it will definitely grow more than any other beverage company in Pakistan. So it has a large margin for growth. Growth rate Coca Cola In Pakistan market the growth rate is 22% which is a significant rate. Similarly In Asia region the amount of revenues which company earn is 5052 dollar. Market Share Coca cola has doubled its market share in Pakistan, in recent years its market share was 16% but in 2007 its market share increased up to 36%, on the other hand its competitors share is going down day by day. Coca Cola is world leader in beverages, and is on the way to success in Pakistan and has crossed the Pepsi last year.. Major factors influencing the level of demand of the product There are a lot of factors that affect the demand of the product. The list of these factors is given below · Price Price is the major factor that affects the demand of the product. If the price Is not suitable to the consumers or customers than they will switch of the product. · Quality If a company provides the quality services or products than the demand of the...
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...King Corn Corn is a plant that can grow in various types of climates, making it the top crop grown in the world. However, a certain type of climate is optimal for most efficient production of corn. Corn needs a temperate weather and good soil. These conditions, as well as the use of hybrid seeds, provide a basis for the huge corn industry in the United States. According to Conceicao and Mendoza, “About 90% of corn and soybean exports are accounted for by only three countries: Argentina, Brazil and the USA. Five countries (India, Pakistan, Thailand, USA and Vietnam) account for over 80% of global rice exports.” King Corn follows two best friends from college, Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, who go to the heartland to figure out what their food is composed of after finding out in a laboratory study that their DNA was mostly made up of corn. They were curious how corn ended up on their hair. After they plant and grow an acre of America's most produced and most subsidized on Iowa soil, they try to find out where the corn goes in the food system and how it is distributed all over America. What they discover shocks them. There are many reasons why there is an overproduction of corn in the United States, including advancements in technology, government subsidies, the cheap price of corn and corn syrup as opposed to grass and sugar. Overproduction of corn leads to overconsumption of the crop, because since corn is so cheap to grow, many try to figure out new ways on how to turn...
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...Week Two iLab Grading Rubric The Use of Sweeteners and the Rise in Obesity The week two iLab will challenge you as it has to do with sweeteners and obesity. Current research has shown that there may be a relationship between the consumption of sweeteners and the rise in obesity so, this will be an opportunity to examine that facts and develop an position. Scenario/Summary: Please select one of the following sweeteners: 1. Sugar (sucrose) 2. Fructose 3. High Fructose Corn Syrup 4. Stevia 5. Equal 6. Splenda 7. Ace K 8. Or another one you can find on your own Deliverables: Answer the following questions about the sweetener you have selected: 1) Select a sweetener 2) Explore the history of the sweetener (include all of the background on this ingredient-when it was discovered, its composition by whom it was discovered, its chemical makeup, its first use, its sweetening capabilities and what foods it can be used in). 3) Discuss safety and the sweetener you have selected. 4) Examine the relationship between the sweetener you have selected and obesity. |Indicate the sweetener that you have selected. |3 points | |Discuss the history of the sweetener. Make sure to include all |6 points | |of the background on this ingredient-when it was discovered, its | | |composition...
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...The reputation of a company is intangible but very valuable. Having a good or bad reputation will affect how consumers feel about a company or product, as well as stakeholders. Some of the benefits of a superior corporate reputation are that customers will prefer to do business with that company when other companies’ products and services are available at a comparable cost and quality; the company can also charge a premium for products and services; and stakeholder support for the company in times of controversy. Good reputation also adds to the company’s value in the financial marketplace. (Management, 2013) In 1999, poor decisions and mismanagement cast a shadow over Coca-Cola. “Following the hospitalization of dozens of Belgians, Coke admitted Tuesday that it had problems at two of its plants—one involving pesticide on the outside of cans the other sub-standard carbonation gas.” (Sathiah, 1999). Even though dozens had fallen ill after drinking Coke products, Coke claimed its products were still safe. Coke failed to act appropriately after hearing that many were getting ill after consuming Coke products. This lead for Belgium to ban all Coke soft drinks, this prompted Luxembourg, Netherlands, and France to also stop the sale of Coke soft drink. (Sathiah, 1999). Some of the strategic steps I would take to remedy the concerns that the company is faced with would be, is bring in new management. A management team that would take issues like this seriously before they caused...
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...The soft drinks have become more available and with the addition of flavored and diet options which have made more Americans consume hence increasing the profitability of the industry. Revenues have also been extremely intense even with the bottling companies. We could also say that the soft drink industry has been controlled by just Coke and Pepsi which in return has given them positive economic profit. Also, the companies in charge of Coke and Pepsi started expanding their profits through collaborations and acquisitions of subsidiary bottled water and tea companies. For example, Coke and Nestea, Pepsi creating Orange Slice. The inputs for both products were mainly sugar and the packaging. And if sugar got expensive they could switch to corn syrup as they did in the earl 1980’s. Lastly, the soft drink industry were able to sell to buyers through five principal channels and the most principal suppliers were supermarkets. 2. There are higher number of bottler’s when compared to the concentrate producer’s which raises competition and reduces margins in the bottling business. Costs for distribution and production reason for around 65% of sales for bottler’s while in the concentrate business it’s around 17%. Finally, with the decrease in the number of bottler’s from 2000 in 1970 to less than 300 in 2000, the concentrate producers were concerned about the...
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