EFSA seeks feedback on draft Scientific Opinion on acrylamide
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on its draft Scientific Opinion on acrylamide in food, developed by its expert Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM). Feedback on the draft will be accepted until 15 September and will be taken into consideration by the CONTAM panel before a final Scientific Opinion is released.
“Acrylamide consumed orally is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, distributed to all organs and extensively metabolised. Glycidamide, one of the main metabolites from this process, is the most likely cause of the gene mutations and tumours seen in animal studies,” said Dr Diane Benford, Chair of the CONTAM Panel.
Dr Benford pointed out that “so far, human studies on occupational and dietary exposure to acrylamide have provided limited and inconsistent evidence of increased risk of developing cancer”.
The panel has also considered other possible harmful effects of acrylamide, including those on the nervous system, pre- and post-natal development and male reproduction. It concluded that these effects are not a concern, based on current levels of dietary exposure.
The draft opinion includes preliminary recommendations on future research on acrylamide involving humans and also detection and risk assessment methods for germ cell mutation. Data collection activities can also be improved, particularly to provide a more accurate indication of acrylamide levels in food produced and consumed at home.
The deadline for final adoption of the opinion is June 2015. Once finalised, EFSA’s scientific advice will support European and national decision-makers to consider possible measures to further reduce consumer exposure to this substance in food. These may include, for example, advice on eating habits and home cooking, or controls on commercial food production; however, EFSA plays no direct role in deciding such measures.
The public consultation on the draft Scientific Opinion on acrylamide in food is available here.
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