Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill To Kick High-Fructose Corn Syrup Out Of The American Food Supply
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 3, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the Removing Excess Additives and Limiting Sugar Act, or the REAL Sugar Act, to bring common sense back to America’s food supply. The legislation bans high-fructose corn syrup in food sold in the United States.
"Americans are tired of being fed highly processed junk and being told it's normal," said Congresswoman Mace. "If we're serious about making America healthy again, we need to take a hard look at what we're putting in our food. The REAL Sugar Act puts American families first and takes on an industry long overdue for accountability."
High-fructose corn syrup hides in foods Americans consume every day, from sodas and sugary beverages to cereal, granola, sauces, flavored yogurt, candy, and ice cream. Excessive consumption of added sugars is linked to weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It’s time to cut the junk and get back to real food.
The REAL Sugar Act would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit food containing high-fructose corn syrup from entering interstate commerce. This legislation provides manufacturers with two years to reformulate their products and transition away from high-fructose corn syrup.
The bill would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to report to Congress within three years on industry reformulation efforts, regulations implemented to comply with the legislation, and recommendations for additional Congressional action.
"MAHA means getting back to real food. Americans shouldn't need a chemistry degree to know what they're eating.” Mace added.
The REAL Sugar Act would:
- Prohibit food intended for human consumption containing high-fructose corn syrup from entering interstate commerce.
- Provide food manufacturers with a two-year transition period to reformulate products.
- Require HHS to report to Congress on industry reformulation efforts and regulatory changes.
- Require HHS to recommend additional congressional action, if necessary.
SEE BILL TEXT:
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