Increased attention has been given to diacetyl and its potential role in causing a rare lung disease in hundreds of workers in microwave popcorn factories.
While it is not supposed to be there, acrylamide can form in food as a result of a heat-induced reaction between two naturally occurring ingredients, the amino acid asparagine and reducing sugars.
There is a wide variety of potentially detrimental compounds and quality issues that must be supported by comprehensive analysis programs for food safety.
Food testing shows the presence of acrylamide in various concentrations in most prepared foods, mainly those containing proteins, carbohydrates and fat, which are exposed to heat.
Foreign materials in foods are a real concern to the food processor, particularly as an important factor in the effective implementation of the company's food safety program.
Although most regulatory and scientific organizations have yet to conclude that acrylamide present a risk to human health, consumer fear is a business concern.
Although microbiological contaminants often take center stage in discussions about food safety and quality control in food plants, chemical contaminants and their residues also remain as significant safety and quality issues for food processors.