In 2002, Swedish scientists made a stunning discovery. Lab tests found acrylamide—a chemical known to cause cancer in animals— in a variety of popular foods, from bread to french fries.
Acrylamide typically forms in foods when a naturally occurring amino acid (asparagine) combines with (natural or added) sugars at high temperatures.
Does acrylamide cause cancer in humans? So far, studies in people haven’t found a clear link.
