Food Standards Agency

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C03042: Genetic and agronomic approaches to reducing acrylamide formation in food derived from potato and cereals

Wednesday 9 March 2005

This research project will examine genetic and agronomic methods to reduce acrylamide levels in potato tubers and cereal grains.

Study Duration : October 2004 to October 2007

Contractor : BBSRC Rothamsted Research and University of Reading

Background

Acrylamide is a process contaminant that is formed in starch-rich foods, which have undergone cooking or processing at a high temperature. These foods include crisps, chips, bread and crispbread. Acrylamide is known to cause cancer in animals and its presence in some foods may harm people's health. It is formed by the reaction between naturally occurring asparagine and sugars during high temperature processing of foods.

Research Approach

The aim of this project is to use genetic and agronomic methods to modify the levels of asparagine, amino acids in general, the ratio of asparagine to other amino acids and sugars in potato tubers and cereal grain. Acrylamide formation in the different tuber and grain material on heating will be analysed.

The objectives of the project are:

• to show that reduced asparagine and sugar levels in tubers and grain will lead to reduced acrylamide formation during processing and to develop target levels that will enable the reduction of acrylamide while not compromising flavour and colour
• to identify strategies for plant breeders and producers to help achieve the Food Standards Agency's goal of reducing acrylamide levels in foods
• to determine whether farmers should be advised to supply sulphur-containing fertiliser to potato and cereal crops to reduce the accumulation of free asparagine

Additional Information

This project is jointly funded with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

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