Tokyo Food Safety Information Center » Tokyo Metropolitan Government food safety FAQ » What kind of carcinogens are found in foods?
What kind of carcinogens are found in foods?
What kind of carcinogens are found in foods?
Are they safe to eat?
Foods can contain carcinogens or suspected carcinogens. Examples include aflatoxin B1, a mycotoxin; heterocyclic amines found in burn meat and fish, and acrylamide produced when foods which contain large amounts of carbohydrates such as potatoes are deep fried or otherwise cooked at high temperatures.
The amounts we intake of these substances each day are minute, but it is best to strive to consume as small an amount of carcinogens as possible.
Aflatoxin B1 is produced by Aspergillus flavus, a mold which lives in the tropics to subtropics, and is known as the most carcinogenic of all natural substances. This mold does not live in Japan and aflatoxin has never been detected from foods produced in the country. Aflatoxin has, however, been detected from nuts and spices imported from other countries. Accordingly, tests are conducted at quarantine stations and guidance is provided to prevent foods contaminated with aflatoxin from being sold in Japan.
Heterocyclic amines and acrylamide are produced when foods are cooked. When cooking at home, it is believed that avoiding cooking meat and fish as well as foods high in carbohydrates such as potatoes for longer than necessary at high temperatures may be able to reduce these carcinogens.
Meanwhile, in order to ensure healthy eating habits, it is important not just to be careful about the cooking methods used but also to eat a balanced diet which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Aflatoxin B1 is produced by Aspergillus flavus, a mold which lives in the tropics to subtropics, and is known as the most carcinogenic of all natural substances. This mold does not live in Japan and aflatoxin has never been detected from foods produced in the country. Aflatoxin has, however, been detected from nuts and spices imported from other countries. Accordingly, tests are conducted at quarantine stations and guidance is provided to prevent foods contaminated with aflatoxin from being sold in Japan.
Heterocyclic amines and acrylamide are produced when foods are cooked. When cooking at home, it is believed that avoiding cooking meat and fish as well as foods high in carbohydrates such as potatoes for longer than necessary at high temperatures may be able to reduce these carcinogens.
Meanwhile, in order to ensure healthy eating habits, it is important not just to be careful about the cooking methods used but also to eat a balanced diet which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.