Potassium bromate is a flour improver and oxidizing agent used to strengthen bread dough and allow higher rising. It produces a fluffier, more consistent texture in baked goods. Most of it converts to harmless potassium bromide during baking, but residual bromate may remain.
IARC classifies potassium bromate as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans). It is banned in the EU, Canada, Brazil, China, and many other countries. The US remains one of the few major markets where it is still permitted.
Consumers of commercial baked goods made with bromated flour. Children who consume white bread and commercial bakery products regularly.
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United States | Permitted. FDA has not banned it but encourages voluntary discontinuation. California Prop 65 listed. |
| European Union | BANNED (since 1990). |
| Canada | BANNED. |
| Australia | BANNED. |