FSSAI Bans Potassium Bromate in Food Items

June 21, 2016

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned use of potassium bromate – a common bread additive, which is a known carcinogen. The request for the ban was made by the New Delhi based research and advocacy organisation, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). However most of the bakers have already stopped using this additive since May 27.

According to the CSE, potassium bromate is used to increase the dough strength which leads to the higher rising and uniform finishing of baked products. Although the potassium bromate was dearer to the baker due its cheaper cost but banning it won’t amplify the production cost due to availability of other options like ascorbic acid.