Publication Date

1988

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Walker, Albert, 1920-

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Journalism

LCSH

Sugar substitutes; Competition--United States; Sugar trade--United States

Abstract

Until 1965, the American sugar industry was the undisputed leader in the sweetening field. But at this time, a surge of public interest in diet and heath began to erode both the industry and its reputation. This has caused an industrial emphasis on non-nutritive sweeteners such as cyclamates and saccharin, which were followed by the discovery of aspartame. None of these alternatives was accepted smoothly by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a result, extensive tests and legislation surrounded their final status as well as the status of sugar. The leadership of the sugar industry was, nevertheless, challenged by these sweeteners, as well as by technological developments improving high-fructose corn syrup, which was a cheaper industrial alternative to sugar. Sugar also has considerable international trade significance, since its importation provides a source of federal revenue. This study traces the major developments in these factors. Historical research and literature are used throughout. The conclusions drawn are: (1) the sugar industry will not regain its former superiority, since several new sweetening alternatives have developed; (2) sugar is not a major cause of health problems; and (3) sugar legislation should be broadened to encompass other prominent sweeteners.

Comments

Bibliography: pages [127]-136.

Extent

v, 136 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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