So Just Where IS the Corn?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, corn slips through the cracks of our glass bubbles and into our diets. And despite our best detective work, we're hard put to track down just where that corn slipped in.

Did the ingredients of some normal dietary staple change? A new supplier for the cereal grain? Did our vitamin supplier switch the source of something? Was it that whiff of popcorn that we raced past at the mall? Did we remember to scrutinize each new package for the dreaded words "New and improved"? (Which most of us by now have learned means "Now fortified with CORN")

Of course, when the inevitable "corning" occurs, it's important to scrutinize labels and contact suspect companies. After determining that the spices are safe, no ingredients now come with their own "hypoallergenic" corny contents, and that there just isn't any noticable change in the ingredient lists, it's time to think outside the box.

Like the Corn Growers. Who stepped outside the box, looked at it and said "Ah, ha!"

Sometimes, it's possible for corn to be in the package itself. In fact, with the increasing awareness of environmental responsibility and a strong consumer desire for "green" packaging, plastic derived from corn starches is becoming a very popular choice for producers.

NatureWorks has been hard at work developing disposable food packaging that is "safe" for the environment. Basically, corn sugars are isolated and fermented to create a durable, but compostable, plastic resin that can be used for anything from deli trays to coffee cups. It can be heat sealed, and withstand significant temerature changes. And, of course, it's made from everyone's favorite hypo-allergenic (not) corn.

Whether these new packages are really a problem for corn allergic individuals will remain a mystery to the medical industry until studies, good studies, are done. And unfortunately, since funding for studies that will help to understand and define corn allergies and reactions in general is lacking, my hopes aren't especially high. The benefits of environmentally friendly, renewable resources sound very tempting. Except that I, personally, am acquainted with the threats that lie within the supply.

So watch out...and then next time that you get "corned" from mysterious sources, check the water bottle, the meat tray, the cheese wrap and the produce baskets. For us, that enviro-friendly decal is about as friendly as a Jolly Roger flag.

Where's the Corn in Clothing?

When you're dealing with a corn allergy, you're always on guard. It's there, everything that is packaged is carefully scrutinized for those tell tale words that mean "corn". And then, when the ingredient list passes the first scrutinization; you double check the packaging and call the company to verify that the ingredients of each ingredient is, indeed, safe for you to consume.

But sometimes, corn still sneaks up and bites you.

One of the most innocent seeming things is fabric. You wear it. You sleep on it. You wrap yourself up in it on a cold day. And shopping can be a fun, food free venture for the teenager in all of us.

Trying on clothes. Its as easy as pie. Easier, if you have a normal body style and like the current fashions.

Where could the harm come?

Unfortunately, as the corn growers association stretches the limit of their imaginations; and environmentalists stretch the limits of their imaginations, and anthropologists study the buying trends of the general public (We want sustainable goods! From new, natural, renewable resources!) corn finds its way into increasingly unexpected places.

Before trying on that dashing new blouse or flirty black dress, check the label. 100% cotton, or bamboo, or acrylic or even spandex might be okay. But if that label reads Ingeo, Natureworks PLA (From Cargill-Dow), Sorona or even simply "Corn Fibre"; buyer beware of even trying it on. Watch out for company issued uniform shirts too.

The main controversy against fitting humans out as corn husk dolls? The corn used to make many of these fabrics is genetically engineered. While that is a problem in and of itself, I'd like to know more about the potential for allergic reaction. As corn is considered hypoallergenic by many standards, and is an "all natural" fiber (as a native crop to the Americas) the labels are deceptively misleading. And how long does it really take to track down a mild rash? Or simple itching and discomfort? In our society we've learned to tune out our own instincts. Just look how long we used polyester. It's still in use, we just tend to blend it with breathable cotton for comfort sake.

Corn fabric is also being integrated into carpets, upholstery, mattresses, bedding, towels, and yarn.

And even if your fabric is certified, 100% cotton (and organic to boot); there's still the danger that it was washed in corn-laden laundry detergent. Read the ingredients of Seventh Generation or Natureclean to see corn proudly listed as a source ingredient on the label. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Corn is a better option for the environment than petroleum based chemicals that won't biodegrade into our soil. However...its still a safety issue for those of us who have allergic reactions to even minute amounts of the golden crop.

Clothes on store shelves may also be sprayed with anti-wrinkle agents, whose main ingredient is...you'll never guess...Yup, that's right...cornstarch. There are rumors from employees that similar measures are taken at second hand stores, clothing that looks more presentable is simply more salable. Luckily, a thorough washing should dissolve any corn-y residue...its just that anyone who is contact sensitive needs to beware.