EFSA to Complete Draft Opinion on Acrylamide in 2014

Responding to a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has announced plans to complete a draft scientific opinion on acrylamide by mid-2014 using “hundreds of scientific studies” as well as new data from food business operators, consumer organizations and other stakeholders. According to a July 15, 2013, news release, EFSA’s Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) will use information and research solicited in April 2013 to assess “the toxicity of acrylamide for humans and update its estimate of consumer exposure through the diet.” After a public consultation, the CONTAM Panel aims to finalize its assessment during the first half of 2015.

“In 2005, EFSA stated that acrylamide may be a human health concern and that efforts should be made to reduce exposure to this substance through the diet,” said the agency. “EFSA’s comprehensive assessment of this scientific issue will allow EU decision-makers to take account of the latest scientific findings in managing possible risks associated with the presence of acrylamide in the food chain.”