AR-News: Chemical acrylamide found in a surprising range of foods

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http://www.medicalpost.com/mpcontent/article.jsp?content=20040425_100933_4832

Chemical acrylamide found in a surprising range of foods 

High levels found in sweet potatoes, prune juice, olives

By Doug Payne

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released new test results on food and acrylamide suggesting the chemical may be more widespread than expected.

The data confirmed earlier findings that fried snack foods such as potato chips have the highest levels of the naturally occurring chemical, but also showed relatively high amounts in Arrowroot cookies, graham crackers, sweet potatoes, bottled prune juice and black olives. 

Lower levels were found in peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies, while fresh fruit and vegetables appeared generally clear. No acrylamide was found in the infant formulas, processed cheese, milk and ice cream tested.

In 2002, researchers at the Swedish National Food Administration and Stockholm University reported finding the chemical in a variety of fried and oven-baked foods. Since then, similar findings have been reported by researchers in numerous other countries, including Canada, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland.

Acrylamide is naturally formed in some starchy foods when they are fried, baked or roasted at high temperatures. It is a potential human carcinogen and genotoxicant, based on high-dose animal studies, and a known human neurotoxicant. 

The FDA's latest tests involved several hundred store-bought food products.

In a statement, the FDA said the data "are exploratory and should not be taken to indicate the distribution of acrylamide levels in U.S. foods, or as an indicator to good product choices by consumers. Based on current understanding of the science, the FDA continues to advise consumers to eat a balanced diet, choosing a variety of foods that are low in trans- and saturated fat and rich in high-fibre grains, fruit and vegetables."

More FDA data may be found at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/ pestadd.html#acrylamide. 



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