Agencies
NEW DELHI, May 23: The bread you eat everyday could be pushing you closer to cancer.
More than 80% of 38 popular brands of breads, buns and ready-to-eat burger and pizza tested positive for potassium bromate and iodate, a study by the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment says.
The first of the two chemicals is a category 2B carcinogen - that can possibly cause cancer - and the second is known to trigger thyroid disorder. Indian manufacturers use potassium bromate and potassium iodate for treating flour while making bread, the study said.
"The use of these chemicals in the bread-making sector is banned in many countries because they are listed as hazardous for public health. India does not ban their use," a statement released by the Centre for Science and Environment said. The CSE recommended the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ban the use of potassium bromate in making bread with immediate effect.
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