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Food additives · Potassium bromate

Where potassium bromate is banned, and why

By · Published · Last checked

Where it stands

E924 · Banned in 4 of 8 · Allowed in 1 of 3 in North America

  • European UnionBanned

    Not an authorised food additive.

  • United KingdomBanned

    Kept the EU prohibition.

  • ChinaBanned

    Banned in 2005.

  • RussiaNot verified

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

  • JapanRestricted

    Permitted only under residue conditions; most Japanese bakers stopped using it voluntarily in 1980.

  • United StatesAllowed

    Permitted under 21 CFR 172.730. California bans it from 1 Jan 2027.

  • CanadaBanned

    Banned as a food additive since 1994.

  • MexicoNot verified

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

Also banned in: Brazil, Argentina, India (2016), Nigeria, South Korea, Peru, Sri Lanka (2001)

Why is it restricted?

IARC classifies it as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) after it caused kidney and thyroid tumours in rats. It should break down to harmless bromide in the oven, but residues can remain if bread is under-baked or too much is added.

Where is it found?

Some commercial bread, rolls, bagels and pizza dough.

How do I spot it on a label?

  • potassium bromate
  • bromated flour
  • bromated enriched flour

What you can do: Read the ingredient list for "bromated flour". Products made in Canada or the EU should not contain it.

Quick answers

Is potassium bromate allowed in food in Canada?
Banned. Banned as a food additive since 1994.
Is potassium bromate allowed in food in the United States?
Allowed. Permitted under 21 CFR 172.730. California bans it from 1 Jan 2027.
Is potassium bromate allowed in food in the European Union?
Banned. Not an authorised food additive.

Sources

  1. 7.Wikipedia: Potassium bromate (opens in a new tab)en.wikipedia.org · Tertiary: encyclopedia or summary, a pointer only
  2. 8.U.S. Right to Know: Potassium bromate (opens in a new tab)usrtk.org · 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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