What Does Brominated Flour Mean?
Brominated flour is flour which is treated with a chemical oxidizer called potassium bromate. Some bakers prefer brominated flour because it produces glutinous dough that endures rigorous processing. Brominated flour is a possible carcinogen which is banned in many countries.
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Attractive Bread Products
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Fast-food companies use brominated flour to enhance the appearance of bread products. Many fast-food companies use brominated flour to enhance the appearance of their baked goods. Rolls made with potassium bromate rise higher and display a finer crumb than breads made without the additive.
Health Hazards of Potassium Bromate
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The potassium bromate in brominated flour may be toxic to the endocrine glands.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified potassium bromate as a class 2B carcinogen in humans, meaning it is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest or "CSPI," petitioned the FDA in 1999 to ban the use of potassium bromate in bread dough, stating "the FDA has known for years that bromate causes cancers in laboratory animals..."
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Brominated Flour Ban
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The FDA asks bakers to voluntarily eliminate the use of brominated flour. The flour is banned in many countries. Potassium bromate is a banned as a flour and food additive in Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and other parts of the world.
California requires warning labels on baked goods containing brominated flour.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows standardized levels of potassium bromate in flour, but advises bakers to voluntarily reduce or eliminate their use of the chemical.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit bread image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com hamburger image by Gabriel-Ciscardi from Fotolia.com bakery in a female monastery, a batch of church participles image by Pavel Kashaev from Fotolia.com
