In the US, proposals by the state of California to make it compulsory for products that might the potential carcinogen acrylamide to carry warning labels have met with anger from food processors and producers.
In response to the state of California's Proposition 65, Henry Chin, vice president of the National Food Processors Association's Center for Technical Assistance in Dublin, California, made the following statement: "With today's call for warning labels under California's Proposition 65 on foods containing acrylamide, the State of California is at odds with the course of sound science being followed by other health organizations involved in this global issue, including the US Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organisation.
"While the State of California attempts to differentiate between foods based upon as yet undefined public health benefits, it still remains a fact that there is no scientific basis for California to require warning labels on food containing acrylamide when no known health impact has been associated with acrylamide consumed in foods. Research scientists in government, industry and academia around the world are working closely to examine the presence of acrylamide in foods, to understand how it is formed in cooking and - most importantly - to assess scientifically whether acrylamide in food poses any risks to human health."
So far even in Europe, which is generally deemed to be more reactive to such concerns, there has not been such a far-reaching move. The European Union has implemented significant studies on the affects of acrylamide and has now introduced a database which will summarise activities in relation to acrylamide in food in the EU, on the basis of submissions by the Member States and other stakeholders.
"We believe that the State of California should recognise that tremendous resources are being directed at this question by various government and health organisations and that its actions need to be in concert with those of the rest of the world on this important issue," Chin added. "Unwarranted warnings will not benefit California consumers and only serve to establish a dangerous precedent for all purveyors of food in California.
"It is important for consumers to know that health organisations around the world consistently have recommended that consumers should not alter their diets as a result of current research findings on acrylamide, but rather continue to follow established dietary guidelines and eat a well-balanced diet consisting of a wide variety of foods in moderation."
The state of California has a history of progressive law-making and in the past it has been amongst the first to introduce bans on smoking in public and to introduce a host of tough laws relating to pollution and emissions. Whether or not its latest target, acrylamide, will become the next ground breaking law to be passed remains to be seen, but it is a certainty that food processors from around the world will be awaiting this outcome with bated breath.