EU officials are considering setting stricter limits on acrylamide levels in various foods to address health concerns.
Angelo Di Mambro reports for Euractiv.
In short:
- The EU is revisiting acrylamide regulations, aiming to establish new legally binding limits for several food items.
- SAFE advocates for maximum acrylamide levels in potato crisps, breakfast products, French fries, and baby foods to protect consumers.
- The European Food Safety Authority's recent data supports the need for stricter controls to reduce cancer risk.
Key quote:
“There is a significant lack of consumer awareness regarding acrylamide.”
— Safe Food Advocacy Europe
Why this matters:
Acrylamide is a carcinogenic substance found in many starchy foods when cooked at high temperatures. The initiative aims to enhance consumer protection by reducing exposure to this harmful compound. While acrylamide is not added to food but rather forms naturally, the goal is to mitigate its presence through better food processing practices and stricter controls. This move could significantly impact the food industry, necessitating changes in how certain products are manufactured.
