Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Acrylamide
Quick answer
Classified as Group 2A — probably carcinogenic, based on limited evidence in humans, alongside stronger evidence in animals. Eaten. Forms during high-temperature cooking of starchy foods — fried potatoes, crisps, toast, biscuits, and coffee roasting. Reducing browning reduces exposure.
Summary
A chemical that forms when starchy foods are fried or roasted at high temperatures. Classified probably carcinogenic by IARC, but human evidence from typical diets is inconsistent.
Detail
Acrylamide forms when starchy foods (potatoes, bread) are cooked at high temperatures. IARC classifies it as Group 2A. Animal studies show increased cancer risk at high doses; epidemiological studies of typical dietary exposure in humans have produced inconsistent results. Reducing browning and avoiding overcooking lowers exposure.
What's not established
This classification reflects limited evidence in humans, usually together with sufficient evidence in animals. It does not establish how strong the human evidence would look on its own, a safe exposure threshold, or your personal risk from a given level of exposure.
Regional relevance
global
Documented in these products
Presence in a product category doesn't imply the product causes cancer. Click each to see the source and context.
Evidence sources
Every claim on this page traces back to one of these. Click through to read the primary document yourself.
Primary sources
NCI
NCI — Acrylamide and Cancer Risk
NCI
NCI — Risk Factors: Diet
Supporting sources
ACS
ACS — Known and Probable Human Carcinogens
EPA
US EPA — Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) carcinogen assessments
NTP
NTP — Report on Carcinogens (US National Toxicology Program)
WCRF/AICR
WCRF/AICR — Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective (Third Expert Report)
WCRF/AICR
WCRF — Cancer Prevention Recommendations
Last reviewed: November 2026
Official reference list
A government list some readers use alongside the primary evidence. Meyron is not affiliated with it. A chemical being listed does not by itself describe a risk from any particular product.
- California Prop 65 list
State of California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.