Bread makers however, said the said chemical was in the book, which FSSAI publishes in which 11,000 ingredients are allowed to be used for food products. (Source: Thinkstock)
Days after a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said 84 per cent of bread and bakery samples collected from across Delhi contain residues of potassium bromate and potassium iodate, the All India Bread Manufacturers Association, which represents over 90 organised bread manufacturers, said it was “voluntarily withdrawing” the use of potassium bromate.
While potassium bromate is said to be a Class 2B carcinogenic, potassium iodate can lead to “thyroid disorders, increase the incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis and increase the risk of thyroid cancer,” the report had said
All India Bread Manufacturers Association president Ramesh Mago said the decision was taken since “FSSAI has already said that use of potassium bromate as an additive will be stopped and a notification will be issued within six to seven days.”
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When asked about the time-frame to withdraw the additives, Mago said it would take a maximum of two to three days for its members in the organised sector. “We will help the unorganised sector by launching a website and taking other steps,” he said.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) scientists had earlier said a panel had recommended withdrawing potassium bromate last year, and a notification for the same had been in draft stage since January. The health ministry will finalise the draft. According to FSSAI, the findings about potassium iodate are still being examined.
The CSE had said both chemicals are used as additives while treating flour.
