Acrylamide in crisps and chips Essay Example

packet of crisps compared to what is permitted as the highest level for drinking water according to WHO.

High carbohydrate foods like potato products and bread contain acrylamide, a carcinogenic chemical, according to a research study. Despite being commonly consumed by many people, tests on rats in Sweden have shown that this chemical can cause mutations in genes resulting in benign or malignant stomach tumors as well as harm the peripheral and central nervous system. The consumption of starchy foods and deep-fried potatoes cooked at high temperatures has been linked to cancer development in animals but it is uncertain whether humans are susceptible to these risks when consuming these kinds of food items. Hence, staple foods such as chips, crisps, and bread may pose hidden dangers to human health.

Heating carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice, and cereals when cooking raises the level of acrylamide found. This substance is considered a potential human carcinogen and poses a risk to global public health. These results are significant enough to require distribution prior to their publication in an academic journal.

A study carried out by Stockholm University and Sweden's National Food Administration has uncovered alarming results. Leif Busk, a veteran member of the Food Administration's research department, stated that these findings were unprecedented. The study found that typical bags of chips may contain up to 500 times more than the amount allowed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. Not only that, but french fries sold at American fast-food chains in Swedish locations were discovered to have potential health risks because they contained approximately 100 times more than the maximum level set by WHO for drinking water.

Acrylamide is considered

by the US Environmental Protection Agency to be a moderately risky probable carcinogen. It is a clear and crystal-like substance that has been demonstrated to cause cancer and gene mutations in animals, as well as harm both the central and peripheral nervous systems. To produce one milligram (0.001 gram) of acrylamide necessitates 1,000 micrograms. Mr Busk noted the potential for significant amounts of acrylamide to be generated during food production.

According to the Food Administration, certain foods containing high levels of acrylamide such as fried, oven-baked, and deep-fried potato and cereal products could be linked to cancer. Cancer Research UK experts view this as a noteworthy discovery with Professor David Phillips speculating that the "Western diet" may cause distinct forms of cancer compared to other regions. He proposes that multiple elements of our dietary patterns may act as contributing factors rather than one sole factor.

Even though the precise impact of acrylamide in food on human health is unknown, it's advised to decrease its creation while preparing or producing food due to its confirmation as an animal carcinogen. Cancer Research UK warns against excessive consumption of fried or high-fat foods and urges increasing intake of fresh produce while avoiding overcooking or burning meals. Professor Phillips asserts that manufacturers should be accountable for monitoring acrylamide formation in their goods and discovering ways to reduce it.

Margareta Tornqvist, an associate professor at Stockholm University's department of environmental chemistry, claims that consuming a single potato crisp can result in acrylamide levels equivalent to WHO's recommended drinking water levels. The study analyzed over 100 random samples and did not find enough evidence to remove any products from supermarket shelves. Burger King's

subsidiary in Sweden is assessing the information received and its implications. While the Food Standards Agency assures consumers that dietary changes are unnecessary based on this report, WHO expresses concern about the research findings and emphasizes further investigation is necessary.

Jorgen Schlundt, the head of WHO's food safety program, has stated that it is not currently necessary for people worldwide to stop consuming specific foods. However, they will hold a meeting soon at their Geneva headquarters to conduct further investigations on this matter. It is crucial to gather more information regarding this potential issue as it remains uncertain if everyone will perish within three decades. Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2070068.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1949413.stm