(High levels of acrylamide in fried foods may cause cancer. / via Creative Commons)

According to FDA chemist Lauren Robin, acrylamide is a chemical that forms in plant-based foods during high-temperature, such as frying and baking. Acrylamide is found in 40% of average American diet, such as potatoes, cereals, coffee, crackers, dried fruits, and more.

The FDA found through tests that high levels of acrylamide contributes to cancer in animals-- in short, it may cause cancer in humans as well. 

According to the FDA report, french fries that are overcooked and burnt have higher levels of acrylamide; the same rule applies for over foods cooked in high temperature, such as burnt toast. 

However, FDA health notice against french fries is not necessary a warning to cut french fries and other fried foods completely from one's diet. "There's a lot of reasons to cut back on fried foods, and this is one more," commented TODAY diet and health editor Madelyn Fernstrom. Long-term studies must be conducted to solidify FDA's recent findings.

In the meantime, Americans can reduce the amount of acrylamide they consume by eating less fried food and avoiding overcooked or burnt foods. 

Reach Executive Producer Shoko Oda here.