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It is known that low levels of toxic contaminants can be generated during the processing of cereal products, particularly at high temperature e.g. during baking. Of these, acrylamide, 3-monochloropropane-1, 2-diol (3-MCPD) and ethyl carbamate have received considerable attention because of toxicological concerns for human health.
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Bread produced from bread machines can vary significantly from a quality perspective, i.e. in terms of loaf height, volume, colour, texture and taste/flavour, compared to commercial products. Consequently, the parameters controlling this variability, i.e. proof time, heat transfer processes and recipes, could also have a significant impact on the generation of process contaminants such as 3-MCPD, acrylamide and ethyl carbamate.
The project will aim to determine whether bread produced from domestic bread machines contains significantly higher levels of process contaminants, i.e. 3-MCPD, acrylamide and ethyl carbamate, compared to commercial products.
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Bread machines representing different manufacturers, price ranges, and specifications together with a range of bread mixes, will be investigated.
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The study will investigate:
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Variability between bread machines: The effects on contaminant levels (acrylamide, ethyl carbamate and 3-MPCD) are to be determined both within and between bread machines, under controlled conditions (fixed recipes).
Recipe contributions: The effects on contaminant levels from different recipes will be assessed using a single bread machine.
The effect of oven baking: Dough prepared in a domestic bread machine will be baked in a fan oven and contaminant levels compared.
Contaminant losses during baking: (bread machine and fan oven).
Comparison with commercial practice
Where possible, the baking performance characteristics of loaf height, volume, temperature and crust colour will also be measured.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.