Another Reason to Hold the Fries

We all know that fries, chips and cheesy nachos are fattening and can clog the arteries. Who knew they could be potentially cancerous? Well, a recent settlement of a lawsuit by major french fry and potato chip makers will ensure that this information is displayed on product labels or that they reduce the levels of acrylamide, the cancer causing chemical. Acrylamide is found naturally in some products like coffee or prune juice and created by baking or frying of carbohydrates. Affected foods would include potatoes, crackers, chips and cookies. Raw or boiled starches do not contain acrylamides. The substance was found to cause tumors in laboratory animals in high doses, but human studies have been inconclusive. Research shows that one would have to consume extreme amounts of these starchy foods in a single day to be subject to the negative affects of the acrylamide. For more information on this topic click here. As far as I am concerned, this is just one more reason for me to ask for fruit to replace the fries when I dine out-and feel really good about it!