New Delhi, On Monday, the government has banned the use of potassium bromate as a food additive following a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study that found its presence in bread caused cancer. Potassium iodate is also used as a food additive and it too is said to be carcinogenic.

CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal said, “FSSAI (Food Safety Standards Authority of India) 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.”

It has been found in a CSE study that 84 % of 38 commonly available brands of pre-packaged breads, including pav and buns, tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate.

According to CSE, potassium bromate typically increases dough strength, leads to higher rising and gives uniform finish to baked products.