Keep This Dangerous Chemical Out Of Our Food
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Potassium bromate is linked to so many health concerns that is is banned in other countries. Take action now!
Bread is a staple in many of U.S. households, but in the U.S. it may also contain a deadly cancer-causing ingredient: potassium bromate1.
Because Potassium bromate is linked to so many health concerns, multiple countries, including the UK, Canada, Brazil, and also the European Union, have banned its use2. Even California requires warning labels about cancer hazards on foods made with the chemical3.
Potassium bromate is a chemical additive used to make bread rise more, make it more springy, and strengthen the dough. As a result, it helps companies make more bread faster, thus enhancing profits4.
The chemical is in many bread products, but the FDA hasn't reviewed the chemical's associated health problems since 19735. Our understanding of the dangers of many chemicals has grown by leaps and bounds since then. By waiting so long, the FDA has been allowing families across the country to unknowingly poison their children.
An in-depth analysis of potassium bromate's dangers conducted by the Environmental Working Group found about 130 food products in the U.S. contain the substance, including sliced wheat bread, flour tortillas, sugar cookies, cupcakes, muffins, donuts, pizzas, and more6.
The potential dangers of this chemical demand immediate action. Take a stand for the health of our children and all Americans. Sign the petition and ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate the use of potassium bromate in food products!
- Environmental Working Group (2020), "This cancer-causing chemical may be lurking in your bread."
- Gill Hyslop and Kristine Sherred, Bakeryandsnacks.com (25 September 2019) "Potassium bromate in bread: Outlawed in Europe, but considered safe in America."
- California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (1 January 1990), "Potassium bromate."
- Lynn Kuntz, Supermarket News (17 October 1994), "Potassium Bromate Alternative Sought."
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (29 March 2022), "CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21."
- Environmental Working Group (2020), "Potassium Bromate."
- U.S. Government Publishing Office (26 July 2021), "H.R. 4694 (IH) - Food Chemical Reassessment Act of 2021."
The Petition:
To the Commissioner of Food and Drugs,
The United States Food and Drug Administration currently permits the use of potassium bromate in foods. Bakeries use it to make bread rise more, make it more springy, and strengthen the dough.
This chemical has been found in about 130 food products in the U.S., including sliced wheat bread, flour tortillas, sugar cookies, cupcakes, muffins, donuts, pizzas, and more. However, the FDA hasn't reviewed the chemical's associated health problems since 1973.
This is extremely concerning. Our understanding of the dangers of many chemicals has grown by leaps and bounds since then. By waiting so long, the FDA has been allowing families across the country to unknowingly poison their children.
Indeed, potassium bromate has been linked to serious diseases, including cancer.
Multiple countries, including the UK, Canada, Brazil, and the European Union have since banned the use of potassium bromate.
The FDA is putting Americans at risk by allowing this possible human carcinogen to be used in the the flour of packaged baked goods and other foods. Therefore, I ask that you ban the use of potassium bromate in food products until it can be proven safe.
Sincerely,
