New Delhi: The government on Monday banned the use of cancer-causing additive, potassium bromate found in bread and other food after a study by the Centre for Science and Environment came up.
A CSE study says that 84% of 38 commonly available brands of pre-packaged breads, including pav and buns, tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate.
However, the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), however, has referred to potassium iodate and has claimed to be cancer causing used as a food additive -- to a scientific panel.
"FSSAI has banned potassium bromate. A notification has been issued in this regard. As far as potassium iodate is concerned, it has been referred to a scientific panel," FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal told media.
The Health minitry had asked for the removal of potassium bromate from the list of permissible food additives after a study by the Centre for Science and Environment.
According to CSE, potassium bromate typically increases dough strength, leads to higher rising and uniform finish to baked products while potassium iodate is a flour treatment agent.
CSE had also urged FSSAI to ban the use of potassium bromate and potassium iodate with immediate effect and prevent their routine exposure to Indian population.
After the CSE study, a bread manufacturers' body had said they will stop using controversial potassium bromate and potassium iodate as additives.
The All India Bread Manufacturers Association, which represents over 90 organised bread manufacturers such as Harvest Gold and Britannia, 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.
(With Agency inputs)
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