Acrylamides were proven to cause cancer in animal testing.

What are they?

Acrylamides are organic compounds that could be present in food.
It is a result of reactions between proteins and sugars when heated above 120°C.
Acryamide is known already before in the industry of polymers and also in cigarettes smoke because of the in purpose addition of sugar to the tobacco by the manufacturers.

The food that is suspected of high level of Acrylamides, is the browned one. Potato chips (mainly in the edges), coffee, bread crust, grilled and toasted food are in the list.

The discovery of Acrylamides in food was by Swedish scientists in 2002.

It is relatively new but it has already made a lot of “noise” and led to a lot of research work.
Nowadays the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that "current levels of dietary exposure to Acrylamide, furan and its methyl analogues such as 2-methyl furan and 3-methyl furan indicate a potential human health concern'', like raising the risk of cancer for human.

This is why, the EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 that will take effect in April, will establish best practice, mitigation measures and benchmark levels for the reduction of the presence of Acrylamide in food.
From the 1st of April the contents of this material will be limited to 700 micrograms per kilogram. This regulation will affect food producers, catering companies and restaurants. It is not valid for private consumers at home.

The FDA also has published guidance for the industry and advised Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2015-2020) .

Even so, I must say that although the source of acrylamide have been identified it is not proven yet, that it is definitely a carcinogen ( that could cause cancer) in humans when consumed at the levels typically found in cooked food.

How to lower the concentration of these compounds in your food to be be on the safe side?

Here are a few recommendations:

• Try to avoid high temperature food preparation when frying , baking or toasting.
• Remove burnt edges from toast and cookies and etc..
• Prefer steam or boiled food preparations.
• Do not eat burnt food
• Cook food until it goes yellow, not brown or black
• Drink Arabica coffee over Robusta that potentially could contain more Acrylamides.

In Israel, Acrylamide already appears in the list of possibly carcinogenic of the Ministry of Health.
Nevertheless, the ICA (Israel Cancerl Association) hasn’t published a position paper on the subject yet.

Did I spoil your appetite ?

Sorry, have a soup instead... Ooops forgot about the Croutons !?😂