Now CSE seeks ban on potassium iodate

Potassium iodate, used as a flour treatment agent in making bread, causes cancer

The Centre's ban on the use of potassium bromate as a food additive will reduce risk from cancer-causing chemicals and safeguard public health, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said, on Tuesday, and also sought a ban on potassium iodate, another chemical used as a flour treatment agent in making bread.

"We are happy to know that the FSSAI has banned the use of potassium bromate. Our study on bread last month raised this issue and FSSAI had announced that it would be banned soon. We welcome the prompt action. The chemical was banned in most parts of the world but allowed in India until now."

"The new law will reduce public health risk from a possible cancer-causing chemical. We had also recommended a ban on the use of potassium iodate as a flour treatment agent in bread-making."

"The industry has already declared not to use both these chemicals in public interest. We hope that the FSSAI soon prohibits use of potassium iodate as well," said Chandra Bhushan, deputy director general, CSE.

The  FSSAI, on Tuesday, banned the use of potassium bromate as a food additive following a study by CSE which had found its presence in bread as causing cancer.

The national food regulator however, referred potassium iodate, also claimed to be carcinogenic used as a food additive — to a scientific panel.

The CSE study in May had highlighted the use and presence of residues of potassium bromate or potassium iodate in bread-making in India.

The study said these chemicals have been banned in several countries worldwide due to their possible adverse health effects.

Potassium bromate is a known possible cancer-causing chemical while the use of potassium iodate in bread can lead to excess iodine intake which could be linked to certain thyroid-related diseases, the CSE study had said.

Subsequently, the All India Bread Manufacturer's Association representing the organised industry had declared its intention to withdraw the use of potassium bromate and potassium iodate in bread-making.