Acrylamide Q&A

-What is acrylamide?

-How does acrylamide occur?

-What are the effects of long-term exposure to acrylamides?

-What is being done by government agencies worldwide?

-How to avoid acrylamide?

-Healthy Alternative

What is acrylamide?

Acrylamide is a white, odorless, flake like solid that is mainly used in treating drinking water and for industrial purposes. Recent laboratory tests commissioned by various groups and organizations in the private and public sector found high levels in certain baked and fried starchy foods. It is a known animal carcinogen and neurotoxin. It's risk to humans is unknown

How does acrylamide occur?

Studies show that acrylamide is a chemical reaction that occurs during high temperature baking and frying of carbohydrates that contain an amino acid called asparagine. Foods like potatoes, cereals, wheat and rye flour all contain this amino acid. Kibbled pet foods that contain high amounts of cereal/grain product are suspect to containing high levels of acrylamide. 

What are the effects of long-term exposure to acrylamide?

Consistent high levels of acrylamide exposure have shown to have negative effects on the reproductive system and embryos of animals in laboratory studies. Acrylamide is an animal carcinogen and neurotoxin. It is not known if it is a human carcinogen.

What is being done by government agencies worldwide?

We are unaware of any action taking place regarding the acrylamide issue and pet food.

But there is lots of activity regarding potential health concerns in humans. In June 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) held a closed meeting to discuss the ramifications of the acrylamide discovery, which has since been confirmed by the British, Swiss, and Norwegian governments. 

The FDA is responding to recent research from overseas that showed acrylamide is found in a broad range of human foods that are cooked at high temperature.  The agency has already tested a number of foods and is planning to test 600 products in its first phase.

The Canadian government has asked food companies there to find ways to lower acrylamide levels.

How to avoid acrylamide?

Reduce or eliminate the feeding of extruded pet food, especially brands which are high in grain products. Extruded products are processed at temperatures between 350-650 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reduce or eliminate baked pet foods and treats, especially products high in grains.  Baked products are processed at 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don't feed starchy human foods which were processed at high temperatures to pets.

What about products from KosherPets?

KosherPets’ products are FREE of wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives – culprits in the formation of the carcinogen Acrylamide when processed at high temperatures.

KosherPets’ products are processed at far lower temperatures then most common dry pet  foods. They are either pelleted (125-130 degrees Fahrenheit),  or  freeze-dried (-40 - -20 degrees Fahrenheit), thus eliminating the possibility of acrylamide formation. 

KosherPets was founded with only one goal in mind - to develop and manufacture the cleanest, healthiest, and best-tasting pet food available. 

KosherPets believes that a healthy pet can give so much joy to a family that every dollar spent its products is a wise investment in maintaining a healthy, happy, long living, and naturally energetic pet.

KosherPets has proven ounce again that its food and treats are the best for your pets.  Don’t let them down. 

For a list of retail location, click Here.

Thank you for caring,

The KosherPets Team

[Acrylamide Facts]