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Food additives · Azodicarbonamide (ADA)

Where azodicarbonamide (ADA) is banned, and why

By · Published · Last checked

Where it stands

E927a · Banned in 2 of 8 · Allowed in 2 of 3 in North America

  • European UnionBanned

    Not authorised. Also banned in food-contact plastics since 2005.

  • United KingdomBanned

    Kept the EU prohibition.

  • ChinaAllowed

    Allowed in wheat flour up to 45 mg/kg under GB 2760.

  • RussiaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check EAEU technical regulation TR CU 029/2012 on additives.

  • JapanNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check MHLW list of designated food additives.

  • United StatesAllowed

    Up to 45 ppm in flour (21 CFR 172.806).

  • CanadaAllowed

    Permitted as a flour treatment up to 45 ppm.

  • MexicoNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check the COFEPRIS acuerdo on additives and processing aids.

Also banned in: Australia and New Zealand, Singapore, Brazil

Why is it restricted?

It breaks down into semicarbazide during baking, and workers who handle the powder have developed asthma. The EU and Australia took a precautionary approach; the EU also banned it in plastics that touch food.

Where is it found?

Commercial sandwich bread, hamburger and hot dog buns, frozen dough, bleached flour.

How do I spot it on a label?

  • azodicarbonamide
  • ADA

What you can do: Look for "azodicarbonamide" near the end of bread ingredient lists. Unbleached flour and most bakery-made bread skip it.

Quick answers

Is azodicarbonamide allowed in food in Canada?
Allowed. Permitted as a flour treatment up to 45 ppm.
Is azodicarbonamide allowed in food in the United States?
Allowed. Up to 45 ppm in flour (21 CFR 172.806).
Is azodicarbonamide allowed in food in the European Union?
Banned. Not authorised. Also banned in food-contact plastics since 2005.

Sources

  1. 9.PolicyCanary: Azodicarbonamide regulatory status (opens in a new tab)policycanary.io · Secondary: law firm, trade press, major media
  2. 10.ChemLinked: ADA permitted in China under GB 2760 (opens in a new tab)food.chemlinked.com · Secondary: law firm, trade press, major media

General information, not legal or medical advice. “Banned elsewhere” doesn't automatically mean unsafe: some bans rest on animal welfare, trade or caution. Read the fact checks before sharing a list.

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