ACAAI - My Rebuttal Concerning Cornstarch and High Fructose Corn Syrup

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) posted the following statement on their website (Google "corn allergy and cornstarch").  I already filed a report with Google indicating that this statement can endanger the lives of the corn allergy population, and requested that the cached Google reference be removed immediately.

"Most corn-derived products, like cornstarch and high-fructose corn syrup, do not contain corn protein. If you have a corn allergy, you do not need to avoid these products."  ACAAI

https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/corn-allergy

Since their statement is extremely dangerous, false, and misleading; I urge everyone to contact them (make sure you reference their statement when you contact them).  In addition, many physicians are accepting their statements as fact without questioning the validity of their claims.

Telephone number (Arlington Heights, IL):  (847) 427-1200.

Twitter:  @ACAAI

Facebook (they accept messages):

https://www.facebook.com/TheACAAI/?hc_location=ufi

Email:  mail@acaai.org

My Rebuttal Tweets:

Wikipedia also mentions that cornstarch and corn syrup must be avoided with an allergy to corn.  For the safety of the corn allergy population, please remove your statement that these products are safe for consumption.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_allergy

Mayo Clinic states that "Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms . . ."  A few grains of iodized salt w/corn-derived dextrose or a minute amount of cornstarch or corn syrup causes me to have a severe reaction.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20355095

"Allergy Symptoms of High Fructose Corn Syrup," Aglaee Jacob, SFGATE

"If you have a corn allergy, a corn intolerance or fructose malabsorption problem, eating foods sweetened with HFCS can cause mild to serious symptoms."

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/allergy-symptoms-high-fructose-corn-syrup-1644.html

I just reported your post to Google, requesting it be removed from "Google search" for the safety of the corn allergy population.  I also sent Google the following link which refutes your false and misleading claims.

"Removing a Food Protein Does Not Guarantee an Allergen Hypoallergenic"

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/12/removing-food-protein-does-not.html

"The lowdown on maize allergies," health24 Allergy, May 24, 2017

https://www.health24.com/Medical/Allergy/Allergy-triggers/The-lowdown-on-maize-allergies-20120721

"Allergy Symptoms of High Fructose Corn Syrup, Diane Marks, October 3, 2017, LIVESTRONG.COM

https://www.livestrong.com/article/295441-allergy-symptoms-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup/

This Google search post by the ACAAI contradicts your own narrative concerning corn allergies:

http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/corn-allergy

 "Anaphylaxis due to cornstarch surgical glove powder"

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1696439

Some of our corn allergy group members have taken screen shots of this dangerous post on Google search.  We will continue to monitor it until it is removed for the safety of the corn allergy population.

I only tested at 1+ (skin-scratch testing) for my allergy to corn, and my reactions to cornstarch and high fructose corn syrup are SEVERE!  I must avoid these products for my own safety.

An allergy to corn (includes anything derived from corn) is just as dangerous as an allergy to the top 8 allergens, and MUST BE AVOIDED!  Please do NOT continue to espouse this potentially life-threatening narrative.

YOUR WEBSITE POST: "While any food can cause an adverse reaction . . ."  Please explain why you are discounting critical, potentially life-threatening reactions to corn/corn derivatives.

Due to false narratives such as yours, I just spent the last 3 yrs. contacting the majority of U.S. hospitals for the safety of corn-allergic patients.

United States Hospitals/Health Systems Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/07/united-states-hospitalshealth-systems.html

Published Corn Allergy Studies/Statistics  (“. . . Maize major allergen . . .”)

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/05/published-corn-allergy-studies.html

"Patient education: Food allergy treatment and avoidance (Beyond the Basics)," Scott H. Sicherer, MD, FAAAAI

"People with food allergies can have serious or even life-threatening reactions after consuming certain foods. The most important strategy in the management of food allergies is to avoid eating these foods."

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/food-allergy-treatment-and-avoidance-beyond-the-basics

“Corn Products and Derivatives List,” Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT), 6/6/17

https://responsibletechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Corn-Products-Derivatives-06-06-17.pdf

"Ingredients Derived From Corn - What to Avoid," By Sharon Rosen, Live Corn Free

http://www.livecornfree.com/2010/04/ingredients-derived-from-corn-what-to.html

"Corn-Free Diet," Golisano Children's Hospital, Pediatric Nutrition

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/nutrition/corn-free.aspx

Oral Challenge of Mazola Corn Oil to Test Hypothesis Presented by Dr. Phil Lieberman

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/12/oral-challenge-of-mazola-corn-oil-to.html

I would like the ACAAI to advocate for strict avoidance (published articles support this) of a person's allergen for their own safety.  A corn allergy can be just as lethal as any other allergy.  Thank you!

February 5, 2018 Update:
The ACAAI will be reviewing and revising their statements related to corn allergies in the near future.

February 14, 2018 Update:
Since they have made the decision to maintain this false and misleading statement on their website, I filed the following petition today with MoveOn.org.  For the safety of the corn allergy population, please join us in demanding that the ACAAI remove this potentially life-threatening claim.

PETITION

Demand that the ACAAI Remove False Statement Re: Cornstarch/High Fructose Corn Syrup

https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/demand-that-the-acaai

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate

Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/
@CornAllergy911