Random Musings of a Curious Mind

Carcinogen in Potato Chips?!

No one would ever claim that deep-fried starch (potato chips and french fries) is good for you - but this one knocked me over. Settlement will reduce carcinogens in potato chips?! Okay, I don't know about you - but this is news to me (pardon the pun).

Apparently, the process used by several major snack food companies (not to mention fast-food joints) creates acrylamide in unacceptably high levels.

Acrylamide forms naturally when starchy foods are baked or fried. Studies have shown the chemical, which also has industrial uses, causes cancer in lab animals and nerve damage to workers who are exposed to high levels. The Food and Drug Administration is researching whether acrylamide in food poses a health risk.
From: Associated Press Article

In order to avoid court proceedings in the state of California, the companies in question (H.J. Heinz Co., Frito-Lay, Kettle Foods Inc., and Lance Inc.) agreed to a settlement, reducing the levels of carcinogens in their products - Over Three Years!. Not all that comforting, is it? Their other option was to label products as Contains Carcinogens.

This creates a number of serious concerns for me:

1. How long have I been eating high levels of carcinogens? Chips and french fries are some of my favorite comfort foods. (The article doesn't say.)
2. Am I at risk when baking and frying potatoes at home? We eat a lot of potatoes. (The article doesn't say.)
3. What affect has this had on Mark's health? He doesn't eat as many chips and fries as I do, but he has a suppressed immune system. (The article doesn't say.)
4. Will there be a nationwide reduction in acrylamide in these companies' products? How do we know that the products distributed to, for example, Arizona or Michigan, will be the same as California? The suit was brought by the state of California.
5. Is there any reason to derive comfort from the fact that the FDA is looking into the situation? This one is easy - NO! Given their track record, there is no reason to believe that they will accomplish anything except further taxpayer expense.

Frankly, this is a frightening story! And I do not intend to purchase any of these products - for the foreseeable future. If ever again.




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Jules