Acrylamide removal from heated foods

The possibility to remove acrylamide from foods by exploiting its chemical physical properties was studied. Commercial biscuits and potato chips were subjected to vacuum treatments at different combinations of pressure, temperature and time. Results showed that acrylamide removal was achieved only in samples previously hydrated at water activity values higher than 0.83, and that, a maximum of acrylamide removal was obtained between 5 and 15 min of vacuum treatment at 6.67 Pa and 60 °C. By applying these process conditions, it was possible to remove 43% and 18% acrylamide from the biscuits and the potato chips, respectively. It was hypothesised that the vacuum treatment could favour acrylamide formation by promoting the decarboxylation of the Schiff base, a key intermediate of acrylamide formation. Although further research is needed to find out for each food category the process conditions that can maximise acrylamide removal while minimising its formation as well as to evaluate the effects on the sensory properties, this technology would represent a promising and alternative strategy to mitigation interventions aimed at reducing acrylamide levels in foods. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.