The results of the FSA’s Total Diet Study which was published today, confirm that people in the UK currently consume higher levels of acrylamide than is desirable. This campaign is part of the FSA’s wider work to reduce the level of the chemical that people consume through raising awareness of how it is produced.
The name of the campaign ‘Go for Gold’ – gives a general rule of thumb, to aim for a golden yellow colour or lighter when frying, baking, toasting or roasting starchy foods like potatoes, root vegetables and bread. Other advice given in the campaign includes not cooking beyond recommended times as directed on packaging, storing potatoes in a cool, dark area and to eat a healthy balanced diet.
Steve Wearne, Director of Policy at the Food Standards Agency, commented: ‘Our research indicates that the majority of people are not aware that acrylamide exists, or that they might be able to reduce their personal intake. We want our ‘Go for Gold’ campaign to highlight the issue so that consumers know how to make the small changes that may reduce their acrylamide consumption whilst still eating plenty of starchy carbohydrates and vegetables as recommended in government healthy eating advice.’
The FSA has teamed up with Olympic gold medallist and mother of four, Denise Lewis, to empower people to make small changes to how they cook, to help minimise acrylamide consumption in the home. Commenting on her involvement with the ‘Go for Gold’ campaign, Denise Lewis said: ‘As a mum, the wellbeing of my family is my top priority, particularly when it comes to the meals I cook for them at home. With so many factors to consider, it’s great that the FSA is helping people to understand the changes we can make to reduce acrylamide in the food we eat regularly at home’.