Potassium Iodate

The use of potassium iodate in bread can lead to excess iodine intake which could be linked to certain thyroid-related diseases, the CSE study had said.

The Centre's ban on the use of potassium bromate as a food additive will reduce risk from cancer-causing chemicals and safeguard public health, the CSE said today and also sought a ban on potassium iodate, another chemical used as a flour treatment agent in making bread.

Leading bread makers on Thursday asserted that they will give up the use of chemicals like potassium bromate and iodate, in wake of a study warning these chemicals may cause cancer, in their products.

There is no need to panic about the presence of chemicals like potassium bromate and potassium iodate in the pre-packaged daily bread, but excess of anything should be avoided, AIIMS director MC Mishra said on Thursday.

Potassium Bromate is being used by the industry since a long time. It was during the 1980s when health organisations and particularly WHO(World Health Organisation)recognised that it may have the potential to cause cancer.

The bread available in India could be laced with toxic chemicals that can lead to thyroid disorders and cancer, the non-profit Science and Environment, or CSE, said after conducting a series of tests. The Union health ministry has ordered an investigation into the matter.

The use of potassium iodate in bread can lead to excess iodine intake which could be linked to certain thyroid-related diseases, the CSE study had said.

The Centre's ban on the use of potassium bromate as a food additive will reduce risk from cancer-causing chemicals and safeguard public health, the CSE said today and also sought a ban on potassium iodate, another chemical used as a flour treatment agent in making bread.

Leading bread makers on Thursday asserted that they will give up the use of chemicals like potassium bromate and iodate, in wake of a study warning these chemicals may cause cancer, in their products.

There is no need to panic about the presence of chemicals like potassium bromate and potassium iodate in the pre-packaged daily bread, but excess of anything should be avoided, AIIMS director MC Mishra said on Thursday.

Potassium Bromate is being used by the industry since a long time. It was during the 1980s when health organisations and particularly WHO(World Health Organisation)recognised that it may have the potential to cause cancer.

The bread available in India could be laced with toxic chemicals that can lead to thyroid disorders and cancer, the non-profit Science and Environment, or CSE, said after conducting a series of tests. The Union health ministry has ordered an investigation into the matter.