Corn industry: ‘Corn sugar’ suit by sugar makers stifles free speech

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES

A representative for the corn industry says sugar makers should compete in the marketplace instead of the courtroom over the use of the term “corn sugar.”

A federal judge ruled Friday that a lawsuit can go forward as the sugar industry seeks to stop the use of the term “corn sugar” for high-fructose corn syrup.

Audrae Erickson, president of the Corn Refiners Association, said Sunday that sugar makers are attempting to shut down free speech.

Erickson praised the judge for granting a defense motion to drop individual corn companies as defendants, leaving only the trade association, and dismissing a part of the lawsuit claiming the corn industry violated California law as well as federal regulations.