Centre bans use of cancer causing chemical potassium bromate as food additive

The government has banned use of potassium bromate as a food additive. Last month Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had recommended to the Health Ministry about removal of potassium bromate from the list of permissible food additives after a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The study had found that 84 per cent of 38 commonly available brands of pre-packaged breads, including pav and buns, tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate.

These two food



additives are banned in many countries and listed as hazardous for public health. FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal told a News Agency that use of potassium bromate has been banned and a notification has been issued in this regard. He said as far as potassium iodate is concerned, it has been referred to a scientific panel. All India Bread Manufacturers Association, had asked FSSAI to verify the findings of the CSE report that claimed most of the breads sold in the national capital contained cancer-causing chemicals.