Application of the Margin of Exposure (MoE) approach to substances in food that are genotoxic and carcinogenic

Acrylamide (CH 2 CHCONH 2, CAS Registry No. 79-06-1) is an industrial chemical used since the 1950s as a chemical intermediate in the production of polyacrylamides, which are used as flocculants for clarifying drinking-water and other industrial applications. The neurotoxicity of acrylamide in humans is well known from occupational and accidental exposures. In addition, experimental studies with acrylamide in animals have shown reproductive, genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. Acrylamide may be formed when foods, particularly those that are high in carbohydrates and low in protein, are subjected to high temperatures during cooking or other thermal processing.