Potato chip companies forced to reduce levels of cancer causing chemical in their products

Four American food manufacturers, who were taken to court because their products contained high levels of a cancer causing chemical, have reached a settlement with the state of California.

The four potato chip and french fry companies have agreed to reduce the levels of a cancer-causing chemical in their products and pay a combined $3 million in fines.

Heinz, Frito-Lay, Kettle Foods and Lance Inc. along with McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, and Wendy's, were found to have high levels of acrylamide in their potato chips and french fries.

Acrylamide is a byproduct of frying, roasting and baking foods, particularly potatoes, that contain certain amino acids. A study in 2002 by Swedish scientists discovered high levels of the chemical in fried potato products.

The lawsuits were filed under a state law that requires companies to post warnings about carcinogens in their products.

Attorney general Jerry Brown says getting the companies to agree to reduce the carcinogenic chemical in fried potatoes is a victory for public health and safety in California and other companies should follow suit.

The chains agreed last year to publish acrylamide warnings at their restaurants and pay civil penalties and costs and early this year Procter & Gamble agreed to cut acrylamide in Pringles potato chips by 50 percent.