Caution: British Health Authority States Burnt Food May Cause Cancer

A report published by the British health organization warns against eating burnt food: Large amounts of a chemical found in overly burnt food may cause cancer.

According to the report, when foods containing starch are heated to temperatures above 120 degrees Celsius, dangerous and carcinogenic chemicals, including acrylamide, are formed. Therefore, one should be cautious not to consume overly fried chips and excessively burnt toast.

Following the publication of the British health report, a new British campaign called 'Go for Gold' was launched. The campaign urges the public to reduce the consumption of overly roasted, fried, baked, or toasted foods.

Steve Warren, Director of Food Safety Policy, states, "Research shows that most people are unaware that acrylamide is present in their foods. The campaign is not intended to scare consumers, but to encourage them to eat toast, chips, and potatoes lighter than what they're accustomed to."