Proposition 65 is a California law that requires all products sold in the state (including food) to carry a warning label if the use or consumption of a product results in exposure to a list of more than 900 chemicals, compiled and maintained by the state. In addition to lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, the list includes acrylamide, a chemical that naturally forms in certain types of foods when exposed to high-temperature cooking, such as frying, roasting, or baking.
Acrylamide Questions and Answers
Acrylamide is found in foods made from plants, such as potato products, cereals, nuts, and coffee. Specifically, the chemical is formed in roasted, baked, and crispy foods such as potato chips, cereals, crackers, waffles, and tortilla chips.
The way a food is prepared can influence the levels of acrylamide found in a product. In general, more acrylamide accumulates when cooked longer or at higher temperatures.