[chefboy2160]

Liquid smoke is a seasoning . I love to use a small amount of this product when doing large parties at a BBQ . Moderation is the key to good flavor and success . Infusion of flavors is what being a chef is all about . This stuff is strong but I feel it has a place .
Ive never had a complaint and more thats good BBQs so I can say . Remember to cook to tatse . Course this is just my opinion .
Doug

[kokopuffs]

I agree with Doug. Like rosemary, liquid smoke must be used sparingly for it can overpower all the other flavors in the dish.

[GSquared]

Harold McGee (The Curious Cook) mentions that liquid smoke "is a potent damager of DNA".............

[DaveB]

Originally posted by GSquared
Harold McGee (The Curious Cook) mentions that liquid smoke "is a potent damager of DNA".............

As it stands, that's a rather meaningless statement. If it were carcinogenic or teratogenic (casuing birth defects) it wouldn't be on the market.

Remember that Coca Cola will also damage DNA, if you immerse the DNA in the Coca Cola.

[GSquared]

Daveb, are ALL foodfstuff in the U.S.A. tested for carcinogins? I would otherwise be dubious to trust that "if it is being sold, it has to be safe"?

[DaveB]

The point is, that until you know exactly what procedure led to the conclusion "damages DNA", it is impossible to understand the significance or seriousness of the claim.

If it's no more harmful that the char on a steak (whcih a number of researchers have claimed is carcinogenic) then one can put the threat into perspective.

If it damages DNA in vitro but produces no clinical symtoms, then it's really not clear if the statement is worth worrying about at all.

If it had a documented history of carcinogenic or teratological effects then, I reiterate, it would be off the market. Remember cyclamates some years back. Widely used and then pulled when studies show carcinogenic risk.

[GSquared]

Take your point, Daveb. A little research has produced the following quote from Dr. Michael Pareza, Director of the Food Research Institute a the University of Wisconsin:
"Liquid smoke flavorings, which research indicates are free of carcinogens........ In rodents, studies of liquid smoke flavoring consumption have produced no evidence that these flavorings are cancer-causing. Smoke flavorings have been reviewed extensively for safety and have been authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "