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2009-12-23 12:59 PM

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Master
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Victoria, BC
Subject: Canada's making junk food healthier!
Umm ... how about we just stop eating junk food?

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/12/22/acrylamide-junk-food-addi...

Canada is investigating whether to approve a cancer-fighting additive's use in junk food, but Health Canada wants consumers to weigh in on the idea first.

The concern surrounds a chemical byproduct called acrylamide that is produced when carbohydrates such as bread or potatoes are cooked at high temperatures.

Studies in mice suggest acrylamide may cause cancer. There is less evidence in humans, but the suggestion that it might has governments and food manufacturers looking for ways to reduce the potential.

That's where the additive comes in. It's an enzyme used in some chemotherapy agents to treat leukemia. Food manufacturers say adding it could bring down levels of acrylamide in heated foods since the enzyme breaks down the acrylamide.



2009-12-23 1:07 PM
in reply to: #2575517

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Canada's making junk food healthier!
The cure sounds just as scary.
2009-12-23 1:11 PM
in reply to: #2575517

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Champion
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Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: Canada's making junk food healthier!
Not sure that the enzyme would survive the high temps of cooking or the acidic environment of the stomach? I agree acrylamide is likely a carcinogen, but at what concentrations (how much do you need to ingest?) and is it taken up through oral administration?
2009-12-23 3:53 PM
in reply to: #2575517

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Regular
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Franklin, VA
Subject: RE: Canada's making junk food healthier!
SpiritFire - 2009-12-23 1:59 PM Umm ... how about we just stop eating junk food? 


I agree.  There's a reason it's called "junk" food.  Eat a vegetable for cryin' out loud!
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