Potassium Bromate, Common Flour Additive

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_bromate

Potassium bromate, is typically used as a flour improver,
strengthening the dough and allowing higher rising. It is an oxidizing
agent, and under the right conditions, will be completely used up in
the baking bread. However, if too much is added, or if the bread is
not cooked long enough or not at a high enough temperature, then a
residual amount will remain, which may be harmful if consumed.

Potassium bromate has been banned from use in food products in Europe,
as well as the United Kingdom in 1990, and Canada in 1994, and most
other countries. It was banned in Sri Lanka in 2001 and China in 2005.
It is also banned in Nigeria, Brazil and Peru.

In the United States it has not been banned. The FDA sanctioned the
use of bromate before the Delaney clause of the Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act went into effect in 1958 — which bans carcinogenic
substances — so that it is more difficult for it to now be banned.

That is right, clauses are more important than your health.


Etiology of bromate-induced cancer and possible modes of action-
studies in Japan.
Renal cell tumors were significantly increased in male and female rats
given potassium bromate at 250 and 500 mg/L in drinking water. In at
least one other study renal cell tumors were produced in male rats at
125 mg/L. ... Therefore, oxidative stress is most likely the mechanism
of interest for cancer risk in humans. PMID: 16473452
.