Will it be Goodbye Mr Chips?

No, say most Dubai residents, whether or not a packet of crisps carries a carcinogen warning

Crispy, crunchy and tantalisingly addictive, potato chips have become one of life's regular features.

But an American consumer legal group is campaigning to have warning labels on potato chip packets informing the public that chips contain a carcinogen.

Acrylamide is formed when starchy foods are baked or fried at high temperatures, and is listed by the California Office of Environment Health Hazard Assessment as a known carcinogen.

For many Dubai residents, potato chips are a staple at children's birthday parties and an easy, popular snack even for adults.

Tabloid spoke to a cross-section of people and parents on how the latest development would affect them.

Eesh Aggarwal, a British businessman, had not been aware of the issue before.

"I'm shocked to hear it. Most potato chip companies do not list the name of this chemical, as far as I know," he says.

"Assuming the US government acts on this and introduces warning labels on potato chip packets, I feel we should follow suit right away and thereby follow international standards."

For Danby Gomes, an Indian who works in a multinational company in Jebel Ali, the potato chip issue is nothing more than the latest food hype.

"I don't think there is a real problem. Everything should be eaten in moderation. Every food article contains something or the other which may not be harmful. You can't just stop eating chips altogether," he says.

"I don't think there should be a warning or a label on chip packets."

Lara Abi Zeid is a Lebanese executive with a 3-year-old daughter and works for a food company.

"Of course, packets should have warning labels. Consumers should be aware of what the product contains and they should have the full choice," she says.

"Consumers are the decision makers. No company should hide the ingredients from the public. Our company lists everything, even if there are potential health risks."

"Personally, I know potato chips are not good for health. They are cooked with a lot of oil and are not good for cholesterol levels. I avoid it any way. My daughter has not yet tasted chips at all. If I saw a warning on labels, it would make a big difference. Even when I go out, I would avoid chips."

Jan Beaumont is a British homemaker with a 5-year-old son who eats chips occasionally.

"In our house, it is a regular feature and therefore the news is a concern. I will now try and limit our intake of crisps," she says.

"Chips are really very popular products. All kids like them and so do I. I can't restrict chips altogether, but it would be good to have a label on them warning people."

"Especially where there is increased consumption of these products, some children take chips to school every day. Many people are not aware of the dangers. Parents, especially, should be warned. If it can be shown that more than 1 or 2 packets a week is detrimental, I would like to see it mentioned on the packet. Maybe the quantity allowed can be specified."

Julia Hide, another British homemaker and mother of two girls, 7 and 6, uses chips daily.

"I definitely wasn't aware of the production of this harmful chemical. I think a warning or a label is a good idea," she says.

"It would definitely make a difference for a lot of people who don't know. Once they are made aware, then it is their choice whether they continue to use the product. I will be cutting down on its use, but not banning it completely. We all like them."