A new report by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has identified high levels of the suspected carcinogen, acrylamide, in a number of leading food products, reports the Daily Mail.

The FSA report is based on a three-year study measuring levels of acrylamide in a range of foods. The report notes that the chemical has the “potential to cause cancer even at very low levels of exposure”.

Among the products found to contain elevated levels of acrylamide were Hula Hoops, Pringles, Ryvita and Duchy Original crisps.

The highest readings for acrylamide were found in Tesco own-label potato rings, followed by Duchy Originals vegetable crisps. Among fast food chain products tested, levels were highest in chips from KFC, ahead of McDonald’s and Burger King.

Some of the companies whose products have been highlighted have criticised the FSA for going public on is findings, insisting that they have been working hard to lower acrylamide levels.

• Acrylamide has been demonstrated to cause cancer in animals, leading to concerns that it may potentially have the same effect in humans. High temperature cooking methods are known to increase acrylamide levels in starch-rich food and food regulators have been encouraging food firms to ensure that acrylamide levels are kept to a practical minumum. However, there are no legal limits for acrylamide in food.