Poorva Chavan
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Written By: Poorva Chavan | Updated : May 26, 2016 10:23 AM IST
The CSE, Centre for Science and Environment, recently revealed that most commercially available bread in India such as bread loaves, buns, ready to eat burger bread and ready to eat pizza breads contain potassium bromate which is a class-2B carcinogen.
The CSE analysed samples of 38 commonly available branded breads from fast food outlets in Delhi and 84% of these samples tested positive for potassium bromate. The CSE also says that Potassium Bromate is banned in many countries but not in India. Studies have shown that potassium bromate can cause cancer of the kidney, thyroid, and that of the abdominal lining in laboratory animals. Following the news many experts and nutritionists called for strict regulations on use of such carcinogenic chemicals as food additives.
Is potassium bromide actually harmful?
Yes, many studies have time and again proved that potassium bromide not just causes different types of cancers but can also cause thrombocytopenia and reduce platelet count.[1]
But, the main question is, since we have been eating commercially available bread for the longest possible time, are there any reported cancer cases caused by eating bread? Some experts have also said that the quantity of potassium bromate that can cause cancer is not known and hence jumping to conclusion would make no sense. Further investigation of this issue is the need of the hour.
Should we be worried??
Potassium bromate is used in the food industry as a flour improver. It apparently strengthens the dough and helps it to rise. A study [2] published in Journal Environmental Health Perspectives says that potassium bromate in commercially available bread is not carcinogenic at all because most of it is converted to potassium bromide when the bread is baked. However, the study also says that if too much of potassium bromide is added or the bread is not baked long enough or not at a high enough temperature, then a residual amount of potassium bromide might remain. If an excess of such bread is consumed only then it can cause cancer. So should we really be worried and give up eating bread? NO.
Countries that banned potassium bromate--
Following the revelations by CSE, the FSSAI has ordered a probe into the matter and will mostly ban the chemical. Potassium bromate is banned in the European Union, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria and a few other countries. Manufacturers in Japan had voluntarily given up potassium bromate in 1980 but Japan's largest food company resumed its use in 2005 by claiming that they have techniques that can reduce the amount of potassium bromate in the final product. However, the chemical is not banned in the US but the USFDA has voluntarily asked manufacturers to give up using potassium bromate.
References--
1. Achukwu PU, Ufelle SA, Ukaejiofo EO, Ejezie FE, Nwachukwu DN, Nwagha UI, Nworie WC, Anyaehie US. The effect of potassium bromate on some haematological parameters of Wistar rats. Niger J Physiol Sci. 2009 Jun;24(1):59-61. PubMed PMID: 19826465.
2. Kurokawa Y, Maekawa A, Takahashi M, Hayashi Y. Toxicity and carcinogenicity of potassium bromate--a new renal carcinogen. Environmental Health Perspectives. 1990;87:309-335.
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