Union Health Ministry orders probe after Cancer causing chemicals were found in bread samples of mostly all top brands in Delhi. The chemicals potassium bromate and potassium iodate are banned in many countries as they are hazardous for public health, but it is not banned in India. A report by Centre for Science and Environment reveals that nearly 84 percent of the 38 most common available brands of pre- packaged breads tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate. The test was then conducted on pav and buns, and they too tested positive. The breads of well known brands like Britannia, Harvest Gold and also popular fast food chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Subway, McDonald’s and Slice of Italy were tested. While Britannia, KFC, Domino’s, McDonald’s and Subway denied the use of these chemicals in their products, other brands did not comment in spite of repeated attempts.
Indian food regulations allows the use of Potassium bromate (KBrO3) and potassium iodate (KIO3) which are chemical food addictives to be used by bread makers and bakeries as flour treatment agents. Also Potassium bromate helps achieve high rising and a uniform finish. In India they have not banned these chemicals inspite of knowing the fact that one of the chemicals is a category 2B carcinogen which is considered carcinogenic to humans while the other chemical can trigger thyroid disorders. Taking into consideration the adverse health effect that is it can cause Cancer many countries have banned the use of these additives.
In India we find most families consume bread daily not only in breakfast but also in snacks and meals, therefore the findings of this CSE study is most alarming. Taking into consideration the health of human population FSSAI should immediately ban the use of these dangerous chemicals.