March 6, 2019.
European consumer associations are warning about the presence of acrylamide in French fries, crisps and cookies. This substance is classified as carcinogenic and genotoxic for humans by the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa),
Acrylamide is classified as carcinogenic and genotoxic to humans
The presence of acrylamide in certain consumer food products is not new. This substance, naturally formed when cooking foods rich in starch and asparagine at high temperatures, an amino acid, such as potatoes and grains, had previously been singled out for its toxicity.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa), “ this compound is carcinogenic and probable genotoxic to humans and its consumption should be reduced as much as possible “. Regulations intended to reduce its presence in food have thus been adopted in Europe and since April 11, 2018, “ reference levels »Must be respected by the food industry, to reduce the formation of acrylamide.
Legislation on the presence of acrylamide in food must be strengthened
European consumer associations, includingUFC-What to Choose, wanted to know if this legislation was respected by manufacturers. They have thus scrutinized 500 products marketed in Europe, crisps, fries, biscuits or cereals, and their findings are clear: ” current regulations do not go far enough “.
If the levels are respected for breakfast cereals or coffee, it is different for industrial biscuits, ” with one third of the samples whose acrylamide contents reach or exceed the recommended values “. 13% of baby food, almost 8% of crisps and 3% of French fries still do not meet the recommended standards. Associations ” urge »Thus the European Commission to strengthen the texts in force.
Aurélie Giraud
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