FSSAI to ban potassium bromate use as food additive
The regulator has recommended removal of potassium bromate from the list of permissible food additives to the Health Ministry.
Government is set to ban use of potassium bromate as food additive in next 15 days, following a CSE study that claimed presence of cancer-causing chemicals in bread.
"Potassium bromate is one of 11,000 food additives that are allowed in food business. After careful consideration, the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has decided to remove potassium bromate from the list of permissible additives," FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal said.
The regulator has recommended removal of potassium bromate from the list of permissible food additives to the Health Ministry.
On Monday, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said that nearly 84% of 38 commonly available brands of pre-packaged breads, including pav and buns, tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate, banned in many countries as they are listed as "hazardous" for public health.
Meanwhile, Health Minister J P Nadda told reporters here that his ministry had asked FSSAI to take the matter seriously and submit a report. "They are coming out with a report. The Ministry will take appropriate action accordingly. We will take action as soon as the report comes," he said.
On the notification, Agarwal said, "As far as issue of notification is concerned the FSSAI has already sent the recommendation to Ministry of Health and it would be issued by the Ministry and there it may take a week or two."
After the removal of potassium bromate from the list its use as food additive would be banned, he said. On use of potassium iodate, FSSAI is examining the evidence and soon a decision will be taken over the same.
According to CSE, potassium bromate typically increases dough strength, leads to higher rising and uniform finish to baked products, while potassium iodate is a flour treatment agent.
CSE has also urged FSSAI to ban the use of potassium bromate and potassium iodate with immediate effect and prevent their routine exposure to Indian population.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Retirement Planning: SIP+SWP combination; Rs 15,000 monthly SIP for 25 years and then Rs 1,52,000 monthly income for 30 years
Retirement Calculator: 40 years of age, Rs 50,000 monthly expenses; what should be retirement corpus and monthly investment
SBI 444-day FD vs Union Bank of India 333-day FD: Know maturity amount on Rs 4 lakh and Rs 8 lakh investments for general and senior citizens
EPF vs SIP vs PPF Calculator: Rs 12,000 monthly investment for 30 years; which can create highest retirement corpus
Home loan EMI vs Mutual Fund SIP Calculator: Rs 70 lakh home loan EMI for 20 years or SIP equal to EMI for 10 years; which can be easier route to buy home; know maths
07:01 PM IST