In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is Potassium Bromate?Potassium Bromate Food ListShould You Avoid Potassium Bromate?FAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Is Potassium Bromate?
Potassium Bromate Food List
Should You Avoid Potassium Bromate?
FAQs
If you’ve been keeping up with the latest food news, you might have heard aboutCalifornia’s proposed ban on certain food additives, including potassium bromate. But what exactly is potassium bromate, and should you be worried about it?
In this article, we’ll explore the world of food additives and cover what potassium bromate is, where it’s commonly found and the potential health risks associated with consuming it. Whether you’re a health-conscious consumer or simply curious about the food you’re eating, keep reading to help yourself make informed decisions about what you put on your plate.
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Potassium bromate is achemical additive commonly used in the food industryto help strengthen dough and enhance the texture of baked goods. It’s often added to bread, rolls and other baked goods to make them rise higher and have a more uniform texture. However, potassium bromate is controversial due to itspotential health risks.
“Potassium bromate has been found to [increase risk of] cancer in animals and act as a free radical, causing oxidative damage in lab studies with human liver and intestinal cells,” Kelsey Kunik, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition advisor forFin vs Fin, tellsEatingWell. “Studies have shown many baked breads contain unsafe levels of potassium bromate.” Kunik refers to data showing these baked goods contain over theFood and Drug Administration’s threshold dose of 50 milligrams per kilogram.
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Potassium bromate is a common food additive that’sbeen used for decadesto improve the texture and rise of bread and other baked goods. The following products often contain potassium bromate:
It’s important to note that not all bread products contain potassium bromate, so it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients list before purchasing.
Potassium bromate is associated with potential health risks.
Potassium bromate is banned in many countries.
Due to concerns about its safety,potassium bromate is banned in several countries, including the members of the European Union, as well as Canada, Brazil and China. However, it’s still allowed in the U.S., although the FDA does require that it belisted as an ingredient on food labels.
Potassium bromate isn’t necessary.
While potassium bromate can improve the texture and rise of bread, it’s unnecessary for baking. Other ingredients, such as ascorbic acid (akavitamin C) and enzymes, can be used to achieve similar results. Many companies have switched to using alternative ingredients in their products, demonstrating that it’s possible to bake without potassium bromate.
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The Bottom Line
Potassium bromate is a controversial food additive used in the food industry to enhance the texture and rise of baked goods. It’s commonly added to bread, rolls and other baked goods to make them fluffier and more appealing. However, potassium bromate is classified as a possible human carcinogen and is banned in many countries due to safety concerns. Although the FDA still allows its use in the U.S., many companies have switched to alternative ingredients to achieve similar results. Therefore, it’s worth considering avoiding foods containing potassium bromate to help reduce possible health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Potassium bromate is a food additive used as a flour improver to strengthen dough and help it rise during baking. It’s commonly added to baked goods such as bread, bagels and pastries to improve their texture and volume.
When ingested, potassium bromate can be converted into a reactive molecule that may damage DNA and increasecancer risk. It can also affect the function of thekidneys and nervous system. However, the potentially harmful effects of potassium bromate depend on the dose and duration of exposure.
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