My October 20, 2020, Email to the ACAAI Re: Directive from the FDA Addressing the ACAAI’s Claims Regarding Corn Allergenic Proteins

UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2021:  The ACAAI is once again intentionally endangering the lives of corn-allergic infants.  

UPDATE FEBRUARY 20, 2021:  We are grateful that the ACAAI has suspended this page on their website.  However, we have also appealed to them to suspend the following page, since it clearly endangers the lives of corn-allergic infants.

“Infant Formulas and Corn Allergy”
https://acaai.org/resources/connect/ask-allergist/infant-formulas-and-corn-allergy

*******************************

[Note that it has been nearly four months since I sent the following email to the ACAAI, and they have not yet complied with the FDA’s directive addressing this issue.]

Please note that the FDA instructed me to contact the ACAAI directly to obtain "information about the testing procedures used to justify their claims" related to the absence of corn protein in “Most corn derived products, like high-fructose corn syrup,” Case Number 247714

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food and Cosmetic Information Center (FCIC)/Technical Assistance Network (TAN) has prepared a response to the following submitted inquiry:

My Inquiry to the FDA:

The ACAAI specifically declares:  "Most corn-derived products, like high-fructose corn syrup, do not contain corn protein."
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/corn-allergy

Since the majority of the 12K+ members in our corn allergy support groups react to corn syrup (and just about every other product derived from corn), we would like to know what testing method is utilized to confirm that “Most corn-derived products, like high-fructose corn syrup, do not contain corn protein.”  Thank you.

Reply from the FDA, Case #247714:

"Response: Case Number 247714

Dear Sir/Madam:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding allergens in corn-derived products. You noted a statement from the ACAAI about allergen levels in such products.

There is no collaboration between FDA and the ACAAI, and FDA does not have records pertaining to their claims. Please contact the ACAAI for information about the testing procedures used to justify their claims. (emphasis added)

We hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if you have further questions.

Thank you for contacting FDA’s FCIC/TAN."

 

Therefore, for the benefit and safety of consumers with an IgE-mediated allergy to corn; will you kindly share the information about the testing procedures used to justify your claims.

Thank you very much.

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/
Email:  cornallergyinitiative@gmail.com
Twitter:  @CornAllergy911

 

Additional References:

My March 27, 2018, Certified Letter to the ACAAI  Re: Cornstarch and Corn Syrup
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/03/my-march-27-2018-certified-letter-to.html

[Note: The ACAAI did redact their false claim regarding cornstarch; however, we have continued to appeal to them to redact their equally false claim regarding HFCS.]

Petition to Demand that the ACAAI Remove False Statement Re: Cornstarch/High-Fructose Corn Syrup
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/02/petition-to-demand-that-acaai-remove.html

Argo Cornstarch Oral Challenge to Test Hypothesis Presented by the ACAAI
[Conclusion: If you are allergic/intolerant to corn, do NOT consume cornstarch. I suffered a significant allergic reaction as a result of this oral challenge.]
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/03/argo-cornstarch-oral-challenge-to-test.html

Removing a Food Protein Does Not Guarantee an Allergen Hypoallergenic
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/12/removing-food-protein-does-not.html

STRICT AVOIDANCE OF ALLERGENS IS ALWAYS ADVISED
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2020/05/strict-avoidance-of-allergens-is-always.html

My April 20, 2020, Email to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Re: Corn Allergies and Vaccines
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2020/05/my-april-20-2020-email-to-childrens.html

"Corn Allergy Food List"
https://www.leavesoflife.com/corn-allergy-food-list/?fbclid=IwAR1v_17JjwBItTzKGX9NcGwSpiwC_3Hgggq6mYQawQOlrdQWfn8vm18nB_4

 

Blog Post Reference

My October 20, 2020, Email to the ACAAI Re: Directive from the FDA Addressing the ACAAI’s Claims Regarding Corn Allergenic Proteins
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2021/02/my-october-20-2020-email-to-acaai-re.html