Settlement In California Reduces Carcinogens In Potato Chips

Sacramento (dbTechno) - Public health and safety advocates in California are very happy with a recent settlement reached, as an agreement will reduce the amount of the cancer causing carcinogen chemical in potato chips.

Back in 2005, Attorney General Jerry Brown filed lawsuits against major companies such as Frito-Lay, Lance Inc., Kettle Foods, as well as H.J. Heinz.

On top of that, lawsuits were filed against Procter & Gamble, KFC, Burger King, Wendy’s, and McDondald’s.

The lawsuit was filed to try and stop companies from using a chemical known as acrylamide in their foods, specifically potatoes.

A settlement has been reached in the matter, which will reduce the levels of these chemicals in their products.

The companies have agreed as part of the settlement to reduce the levels of the carcinogen chemical in their fried potatoes.

Brown stated that other companies should follow suit by reducing levels of acrylamide as well.

Breaking down the particular companies, Frito-Lay will pay $1.5 million in penalties and costs, but can reduce that fine if they reduce the levels of the chemical in their products.

Kettle Foods will pay $350,000 in penalties and costs, and will reduce levels of acrylamide by at least 87%.

Procter & Gamble has agreed to reduce the level of the chemical in their potato chips by 50% as well.

The restaurants agreed a year ago to post acrylamide warnings at their restaurants, or face civil penalties and costs.

All of the companies were suued under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act.