Influence of Asparaginase on Acrylamide Content, Color, and Texture in Oat, Corn, and Rice Cookies

The safety of cereal-based baked goods can be compromised by acrylamide, a processing contaminant and class 2A carcinogen. One method to prevent acrylamide formation is by converting asparagine to aspartic acid using asparaginases. Four different asparaginases were tested using two dough incubation temperatures and dosages for oat, corn, and rice cookies. To evaluate the impact of asparaginases on product quality, color and texture were measured. Acrylamide was reduced by up to 97, 95, and 92% for oat, corn, and rice cookies, respectively, compared to the control. Asparaginase treatment resulted in minor changes in color and texture. There was a strong correlation between acrylamide concentrations in cookies and the free asparagine content of the flour. By minimizing the formation of acrylamide while maintaining product quality, the use of asparaginases offers a promising approach to enhancing food safety standards and protecting public health, potentially influencing regulatory guidelines and consumer preferences.