THE House committee on agriculture and food will conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the impact of the importation, use, and sale of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on the sustainability of the sugar industry on May 16, 1 p.m., at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.
This was confirmed Tuesday, May 2 by Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya, who filed the resolution seeking an inquiry after he delivered a privilege speech about HFCS and its effects on the sugar industry in February.
The resolution, signed by 15 congressmen, particularly those from sugar-producing provinces, was forwarded to the agriculture and food committee chaired by Anac-IP partylist Representative Jose Panganiban Jr.
The resolution noted that HFCS is an imported alternative sweeter made from cornstarch through the conversion of glucose to fructose by glucose isomerase application widely used in the production of soft drinks and in food processing, adding that there is controversy over the health risks presented by HFCS consumption.
The resolution noted that the sugar industry is a major component of the socio-economic and political structure of the country.
Gasataya said possible attendees include officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration and representatives from other concerned agencies and groups.
“We want to see the clarification of this issue at the level of the House of Representatives,” he said.
Last month, the Senate committees on agriculture, and trade, commerce and entrepreneurship also conducted a similar inquiry.
