CSE welcomes FSSAI decision to ban potassium bromate

After its study found cancer- causing chemicals in breads, CSE on Tuesday welcomed the country's food regulator's decision to remove potassium bromate from the list of permissible additives, saying public health must remain a "priority" for them. 

"Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) welcomes the announcement made by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ban the use of potassium bromate in making bread in India. CSE also appreciates the Authority's proactive move in deciding to examine the use of potassium iodate in bread- making," it said in a statement.

FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal today said that Potassium bromate is one of 11,000 food additives that are allowed in food business and after careful consideration, FSSAI has decided to remove potassium bromate from the list of permissible additives. A CSE report yesterday claimed that nearly 84 per cent of 38 commonly available brands of pre-packaged breads including pav and buns, had tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate banned in many countries as they are listed as "hazardous" for public health.

It claimed that while one of the chemicals is a category 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans), the other could trigger thyroid disorders but India has not banned their use. CSE had also recommended an immediate ban on them."We welcome the steps initiated by FSSAI to ban potassium bromate and evaluate the use of potassium iodate we hope a ban on potassium iodate will follow," said CSE Deputy Director General, Chandra Bhushan.