Enriched flour is wheat flour that has been stripped of its bran and germ (removing fiber, vitamins, and minerals), then has a subset of nutrients added back (niacin, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid). Bleached flour is additionally treated with chemical agents (chlorine, benzoyl peroxide, or potassium bromate) to whiten the flour and improve baking properties.
When enriched/bleached flour is the primary ingredient (position 1), it indicates a product built on a low-nutritional-quality base. The 'enrichment' replaces only 5 of the 20+ nutrients removed during processing. Bleaching agents add unnecessary chemical exposure.
Not a toxicity concern. Nutritional quality concern for children whose diets are dominated by refined grain products.
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United States | Permitted. FDA mandates enrichment of certain nutrients in refined flour (21 CFR 137.165). |
| European Union | Permitted. Enrichment not mandated in most EU countries. |
| Canada | Permitted. Enrichment mandated. |
| Australia | Permitted. |