Acrylamide is a cancer-causing chemical that forms in some types of food during the process of cooking at high-temperatures. In 2005, the state of California sued four potato chip manufacturers, alleging they neglected to put warning labels on their products which contained the carcinogen. On August 1, 2008, it was announced that the lawsuit was settled. The companies agreed to pay $3 million in fines.CNN: Settlement Reached in Potato Chip Lawsuit (August 2, 2008)
Potato Chip Lawsuit
In 2005, the state of California sued the H. J. Heinz Company, Frito-Lay, Kettle Foods, Inc. and Lance, Inc., claiming that they violated a state law that required companies to label their products that contain cancer-causing chemicals.CNN: Settlement Reached in Potato Chip Lawsuit (August 2, 2008)
On August 1, 2008, Attorney General Jerry Brown announced that the lawsuit had been settled. The companies agreed to pay $3 million in fines and agreed to reduce the levels of acrylamide in their products.CNN: Settlement Reached in Potato Chip Lawsuit (August 2, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Acrylamide is a byproduct formed when frying, baking and roastingU.S. Food and Drug Administration: Acrylamide
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Forms in food due to a reaction within sugars and amino acid.
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Chemically manufactured for use in products like plastics, grouts, cosmetics and water treatment productsU.S. Food and Drug Administration: Acrylamide
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Commonly used as an coagulant aid in the treatment of drinking waterU.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Consumer Factsheet on: ACRYLAMIDE
