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Acrylamide in Foods
BMJ 2002;325:120 ( 20 July )
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/325/7356/120/a
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Experts launch action on acrylamide in staple foods
Fiona Fleck
, Geneva
Food science experts and officials from Europe and the United States are
taking concerted action to try to reduce potentially
dangerous levels
of acrylamide, a toxin known to cause cancer,
in staple
foods.
The possible health risk was discussed at a meeting convened by the World Health Organization in Geneva last month, after the announcement in March by Swedish scientists that acrylamides were present in a wide range of foods, particularly fried, starch based foods, such as chips and potato crisps.
The 23 experts concluded that the Swedish findings, verified by scientists in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Switzerland, and Norway, were disturbing.
"It's not new to find carcinogenic substances in food, but it is the first time we are dealing with substances that are potentially carcinogenic in human staple foods," said Dieter Arnold of the Federal Institute for Consumer Health Protection in Berlin. The experts said that traces of carcinogens can be found in grilled and baked meats, but acrylamide represented an even greater danger.
Acrylamide is a known poisonous substance produced in the manufacture of plastics. Its presence in food was a chance discovery by researchers at Stockholm University when testing tunnel workers exposed to large quantities of acrylamide from a water sealant in 1997. After finding similarly high levels in the blood of workers who had not been exposed to the sealant, the researchers concluded that diet was responsible.
Studies to date show that a minimum temperature of 120°C is needed to start formation of acrylamide in foods, although 140°C to 180°C is optimal. "The hotter and longer you bake or fry, the more carcinogen forms," said Dr Arnold.
In a test conducted by the English Food Standards Agency, scientists found a 10-fold difference between normal and overcooked chips, which experts say is good news, because it means levels can be limited. The carcinogen tends to attack the thyroid gland, female mammary gland, male testes, and mouth, Dr Arnold said.
The experts concluded too little was known about the formation of acrylamides to issue specific guidelines, but recommended a diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Last updated: 20 July 2002
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