Chips are the subject of the latest food scare after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) highlighted them as possibly containing carcinogens.

The UK favourites are seen as a cancer risk by the food safety body, after its Swedish equivalent reported high levels of acrylamide in a batch.

French fries sold by fast food chains Burger King and McDonalds contained high levels of the substance.

The FSA was concerned about the findings.

A spokesman said: 'It has never been found at these levels in food. We will investigate the issue further. In the meantime, there is no need for people to change their diets.

As part of the Swedish agency's report, boiled potatoes were also checked for the acrylamide, but none was found.

A spokesman for Burger King said the catering giant was taking the findings seriously, adding: 'The well-being of our customers is our top priority.'

Topics