Acrylamide warning

Health Canada has released information regarding the molecular compound acrylamide. This substance is found in plant-based foods when cooked at high temperatures (think french fries, potato chips, beer battered products like fish, jalapeno poppers etc.)

At the moment it is too soon to be overly concerned about the health implications of this compound; however, it is always wise to minimize the consumption of processed and deep-fried foods.

Health-conscious Canadians should be aware of this compound. There is a possibility that this compound will become the new hot topic for the mainstream media to latch onto.

Health Canada has compiled a list of ways to minimize the consumption of acrylamide. The list is quite simple and the average household would find little difficulty in carrying through with the recommendations.

The World Health Organization recently posted an extensive FAQ section on acrylamide. It is found in certain plastics and is a known carcinogen. The problem with this compound, as with nearly all carcinogenic substances, is the challenge of establishing if there is a safe level of consumption.

The National Cancer Institute of the United States has also weighed in on this substance and supports the findings of both Health Canada and the WHO. They have published an extensive FAQ section as well.

Establishing the toxicity of acrylamide will take time. Stay tuned to the CanHealthReport for future developments.