- [Mark] This is Mark Isselhardt,
maple specialist with the University of Vermont Extension,
and this is another Vermont Maple Minute.
The law is very clear
on what can be sold as pure maple syrup.
Only the liquid derived by concentration in heat treatment
of the sap of the maple tree.
No processing that or removes
naturally-occurring soluble materials
is allowed.
This does not however include the use
of approved filter aids
for the removal of suspended material,
such as sugar, sand, or niter,
or the use of approved defoamers.
Unfortunately, the relatively high price of pure maple syrup
can provide an incentive for illegal adulteration
with non-maple sugars and/or artificial decolorizing agents.
This is quite rare,
and several analytical methods are available
to detect the addition
of other types of sugars to maple syrup.
Monitoring is conducted by both the maple industry
and governmental organizations
to detect any illegal products,
and to remove them from the marketplace.
A case from 2011,
brought to court by the US Food and Drug Administration
when a sample of syrup tested
and was determined to be 100% cane sugar,
proves that the laws can and will be enforced.
This is Mark Isselhardt,
maple specialist with the University of Vermont Extension,
and this has been another Vermont Maple Minute