Would you Like to Supersize the Drugs in Your Fries?

News sources are reporting that Health Canada is investigating whether to approve the use of an enzyme currently used in cancer therapy in some of our less than healthy food sources. WHY?

When certain starchy foods are heated (fried or baked) at high temperatures, acrylamide forms. Studies in mice suggest that acrylamide may cause cancer, but there is less evidence in human studies. French fries and potato chips often contain the highest amount of acrylamide.

So, in their infinite wisdom, Health Canada, quote “is proposing to amend the Food and Drug Regulations to allow the enzyme asparaginase to be used in the manufacture of certain food products, including wheat dough-based products such as bread, crackers and cookies, cut potato products such as French fries, sliced potato products and fabricated potato chips.” Health Canada believes the addition of asparaginase to these foods will not raise any health or safety concerns.

The enzyme asparaginase is classified as an antineoplastic agent – a cancer drug. It is used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma as it interferes with the growth of cancer cells and has been reported to slow the growth and spread of the cells in the body. Drugs.com reveals that “Asparaginase is highly toxic and both the powder and solution must be handled with care.”

Perhaps we should have the choice of our preferred eating habits. People at some point need to take charge of their personal health and wellness; many of us do. Intentionally adding drugs into our food sources is a slippery slope - where does it end?

Please take some action on this and express your opinion to the government.

Health Canada is accepting public comments on this proposal until February 21, 2010. Here is their web address for more information:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/consultation/init/_dec2009-asparaginase/asp-niger-draft-ebauche-eng.php

Near the end of the page is a link to submit comments or email them or mail them directly to.

Health Canada
Bureau of Chemical Safety
251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway
Tunney's Pasture, PL: 2203B
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9

bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca

Comments

[Asparaginase]

http://asparaginase.wordpress.com/2009/12/23/asparaginase-and-health-canada/ Asparaginase in Canada must be pushed by the drug companies. I can't understand why food manufacturers would be pushing this. This drug is commonly known as Elspar, and is manufactured by Merck.

This should not be added to our foods. Take one look at Merck's data sheet on this product, along with the side effects, and with the simple fact that this is given to Leukemia patients - not to fight cancer. This will probably do more harm than good. SAY NO!