Two associations representing the corn and sugar industries have agreed to drop two lawsuits revolving around what constitutes "sugar," bringing to an end a four-year legal battle between the groups.

The Corn Refiners Association, The Sugar Association and several companies involved in the lawsuits announced Friday they had reached a settlement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, Reuters reported.

At issue was a 2011 lawsuit brought by several sugar refiners against CRA for the association's advertising campaign claiming that high fructose corn syrup was "corn sugar" and "natural." The refiners accused CRA of false advertising given corn syrup isn't widely recognized as sugar. (The Food and Drug Administration denied a CRA request to rename corn syrup "corn sugar" in 2012.)

CRA countersued, contending The Sugar Association falsely claimed in its newsletter that corn syrup causes obesity and cancer. The trial began in early November, with outside observers having expected a jury decision before the end of the year. http://bit.ly/1SVZywl

Both associations issued a brief, joint statement following the settlement announcement reiterating that its terms are confidential.

"The parties continue their commitments to practices that encourage safe and healthful use of their products, including moderation in the consumption of table sugar, high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners," the associations said.

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