7 Foods That Become Carcinogenic When Overcooked

Potatoes

Overcooking potatoes, particularly through frying or grilling, produces acrylamide, a toxic carcinogen.

Red Meat

Compounds that form at high temperatures from cooked red meat are carcinogenic and further increase the risk of cancer, especially charred.

Bread

Over-toasting of bread releases carcinogenic acrylamide associated with increased cancer risk

Poultry

Frying or grilling poultry releases toxic amounts of carcinogens that make cooks work with lesser heat settings.

Processed Meat

Processed meat products, such as bacon, can lead to the formation of harmful chemicals that contribute to causing numerous types of cancers if they are overcooked.

Fish

Fish is carcinogenic when it has been overcooked, and the risk may be avoided by steaming or even poaching.

Starchy Foods

Acrylamide, a substance responsible for cancer, can be made when starchy foods such as rice or pasta are cooked at high temperature.