As has already been stated by other commentors, the USDA has frequently been shown to have many conflicts of interests (ranging from their own stated goals to t

As has already been stated by other commentors, the USDA has frequently been shown to have many conflicts of interests (ranging from their own stated goals to the appointment of many industry insiders -- much like the military industrial complex revolving doors). > Though being a free country, whether or not the private sector decides to put corn syrup in everything is their own prerogative and unrelated to government guidelines. Through subsidization of crops (namely corn), the government has created an economic environment where it is not always feasible to create a competitive product that doesn't use certain ingredients. Through the government's vilification of fat, they have created a marketing environment where it is hard to sell high-fat low-sugar foods. If HFCS is significantly cheaper than other ingredients, and if you are pressured to provide foods with low fat, then by using alternative ingredients you could price yourself out of the mainstream. Note: this does not mean you can't make the product, it just means that it will be more expensive and you have to explain to your customer WHY its more expensive. We of course see this in the more expensive "niche" health products. The sad result of this is often the more affluent members of society who can afford such niche products get healthier alternatives, while the poor of society get the unhealthy foods, through a combination of lack of education and lack of funds.