Editing Potato chips (section)

== Health concerns ==

Most potato chips contain high levels of [[Sodium in biology|sodium]], from [[salt]]. This has been linked to health issues such as high [[blood pressure]].<ref name="Rothstein"/> However, researchers at [[Queen Mary University of London]] in 2004 have noted that a small "bag of ready-salted crisps" contains less salt than a serving of many breakfast cereals, including "every brand of [[cornflakes]] on sale in the UK".<ref name="QMU"/>

Some potato chip companies have responded to the long-standing concerns by investing in research and development to modify existing recipes and create health-conscious products. [[PepsiCo]] research shows that about 80% of salt on chips is not sensed by the tongue before being swallowed. [[Frito-Lay]] spent $414 million in 2009 on product development, including development of salt crystals that would reduce the salt content of [[Lay's]] potato chips without adversely affecting flavor.<ref name="newsalt"/>

Unsalted chips are available, e.g. the longstanding British brand [[Salt 'n' Shake]], whose chips are not seasoned but instead include a small salt [[sachet]] in the bag for seasoning to taste. Many other popular brands in the United States, such as [[Frito-Lay]], also offer such a product.

One [[health scare]] related to potato chips focused on [[acrylamide]], which is produced when potatoes are fried or baked at high temperatures. This discovery in 2002 led to international health concerns. Subsequent research has however found that it is not likely that the acrylamides in burnt or well-cooked food cause cancer in humans; [[Cancer Research UK]] categorizes the idea that burnt food causes cancer as a "myth".<ref name=cruk>{{cite web |url=https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-myths/can-eating-burnt-foods-cause-cancer |publisher=Cancer Research UK |title=Can eating burnt foods cause cancer? |date=15 October 2021 }}</ref>

In August 2008, [[California Attorney General]] [[Jerry Brown]] announced a settlement with [[Frito-Lay]], [[Kettle Foods]], and [[Lance Inc.]], the makers of [[Cape Cod Potato Chips]], for violating the state's [[California Proposition 65 (1986)|Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act]]. The state had alleged in 2005 that potato chips from these companies failed to document that they contained high levels of acrylamide, which is listed by California since the 1990s as a [[carcinogen]]. These companies paid fines and agreed to reduce acrylamide levels to be under 275 parts per billion.<ref name="Brown"/><ref name="Lazarus"/> Many potato chip manufacturers attempt to remove burned and thus potentially acrylamide-rich chips before the packaging process. Large scanners are used to eliminate chips worst affected by heat.<ref name="NHS"/>