Carcinogens in your grilled chicken sandwich

January 8, 4:31 AMDenver Dining ExaminerStan Dyer

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Hot dogs made with organ meats may be safer

Everyone knows that carcinogens form when the grease drips onto hot coals from meats cooking on barbecue grills, but a recent study shows an even deeper connection that extends to cooking methods used in popular restaurants.  Researchers Kristie Sullivan, Chad Sandusky and Neal Barnard with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Michael Erickson with Columbia Analytical Services tested samples of meats cooked at popular restaurant chains and uncovered heterocyclic amines in every instance.  

The study involved nine restaurants from each of seven, popular restaurant chains: McDonald’s, Burger King, Chik-fil-a, Chili’s, TGI Friday’s, Outback Steakhouse and Applebee’s located in California.  In their tests, all 100 samples studied contained measurable levels of  PhlP, (2-amino-1methyl-6-Phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine), a known carcinogen.  The levels varied from .08 ng/g to 43.2 ng/g, but, given the weight of some entrees, meant that some entrees contained as much as 1,000 ng/g.  The study suggests avoiding the consumption of grilled meats.  

Heterocyclic amines such as PhlP have been found by the National Cancer Institute to form when muscle meats such as beef, pork, fowl and fish are cooked in certain ways, at certain temperatures and for certain periods of time.  The heat reacts with the amino acids and creatine in the meats to form up 17 different HCAs.  Other protein sources such as milk, eggs, tofu and organ meats show no HCA formation at all.  Other studies show that the greatest concentrations of carcinogens are found in home-cooked meats and those from non-fast food restaurants.  

There are no studies suggesting a safe exposure level for HCAs, but concerned carnivores should vary cooking methods, microwave meats before frying, grilling or barbecuing, and avoid gravies made from pan drippings.  Reduced consumption or complete elimination of these meats from the diet until further studies are completed is another, safe option