<P> High - fructose corn syrup (HFCS) (also called glucose - fructose, isoglucose and glucose - fructose syrup) is a sweetener made from corn starch that has been processed by glucose isomerase to convert some of its glucose into fructose . HFCS was first marketed in the early 1970s by the Clinton Corn Processing Company, together with the Japanese Agency of Industrial Science and Technology where the enzyme was discovered in 1965 . </P> <P> As a sweetener, HFCS is often compared to granulated sugar, but manufacturing advantages of HFCS over sugar include that it is easier to handle and more cost - effective . The United States Food and Drug Administration has determined that HFCS is a safe ingredient for food and beverage manufacturing . There is debate over whether HFCS presents greater health risks than other sweeteners . Uses and exports of HFCS from American producers have continued to grow during the early 21st century . </P>

When did we start using high fructose corn syrup