The COST Action ACRYRED focuses on reducing acrylamide in cereal-based foods by bringing together experts in plant breeding, grain production, food processing, toxicology, regulation, and consumer protection. Acrylamide, formed during high-temperature processing, is considered neurotoxic and potentially carcinogenic, although there is significant uncertainty regarding risk from dietary exposure.
The ACRYRED community emphasizes the importance of transparent communication of this uncertainty to help both prioritize different risks for mitigation effort and to ensure regulatory decisions reflect scientific evidence. We believe that there is a complementary role for Benchmark levels (BMLs) and Maximum levels (MLs), BMLs are effective in managing background exposure from many foods, while MLs which define market compliance should only be considered for specific foods that in themselves are major sources of exposure or are intended for vulnerable consumers, infants. In this way, mitigation and enforcement effort can maximize public health benefit. Regular exposure reviews and transparent mitigation practices from food businesses are essential to ensure effective risk management.
These views are summarized in the document “ACRYRED COST Action views on the use of concentration limits as a part of controlling acrylamide concentrations within foods” . The document was produced by a Task Force voluntarily formed by members of ACRYRED and reflects the consensus opinion of the entire community.
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