Baby foods, cereals and crisps found to contain raised levels of cancer risk chemicals

Three baby foods as well as crisps, cereals and chips contain raised levels of a chemical linked to cancer.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) found higher than expected levels of acrylamide in a range of popular products.

The substance, which develops during the cooking process, has been linked to a higher risk of cancer.

The watchdog is investigating why the levels are raised and what can be done to reduce them, but has not advised consumers to stop eating the affected foods. 

 

The FSA conducts annual tests for acrylamide in food products. Its survey for 2013, published this week, found high levels of the chemical in apple rice cakes from Organix, Sunny Start baby wheat flakes and Heinz breakfast banana multigrain for babies.

Also affected were crisps, cereals and some frozen potato products, which were found to be likely to develop too much acrylamide if cooked to package instructions.

When food is cooked at high temperatures, a process called the Maillard reaction makes it brown and adds taste and crunch. However, the reaction creates acrylamide.

The chemical is also used in industry to make polymers for applications in paper making, water treatment and sealants. 

Table shows which brands were tested for the chemical acrylamide - which has been linked to cancer