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Avoid / Concerns BANNED IN SOME COUNTRIES

Significant concerns; banned in some countries or classified as possible carcinogen

Safe
Avoid
Avoid / Concerns
Potassium Bromate
EU UK JP +3 OK

Potassium Bromate

E924 Flour Treatment Agent Avoid / Concerns 1 min read

At a Glance

Safety Rating
Avoid / Concerns
Category
Flour Treatment Agent
E-Number
E924
Banned Somewhere?
Yes
Controversy Level
High

Quick Answer

Potassium Bromate (E924) is rated "Avoid / Concerns" according to current evidence. It is banned in the EU and approved in the US. This additive is banned or not approved in at least one major market.

On This Page

What is Potassium Bromate?

Banned in EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, China. Legal in US. IARC Group 2B carcinogen

Regulatory Status by Country

🇺🇸 US

Approved
Agency: FDA

US name: Potassium Bromate

Still legal in US (unlike most countries). California requires Prop 65 warning

🇪🇺 EU

BANNED
Agency: EFSA

Banned in EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, China. Legal in US. IARC Group 2B carcinogen

🇬🇧 UK

BANNED
Agency: FSA

UK retained EU food additive regulations post-Brexit with some modifications

🇯🇵 Japan

BANNED
Agency: MHLW

Japanese: 臭素酸カリウム

Banned in Japan. Was previously allowed in bread

🇨🇦 CA

Approved
Agency: Health Canada

Generally aligned with US FDA. Regulated by Health Canada.

🇦🇺 AU/NZ

Likely restricted
Agency: FSANZ

May follow EU restrictions. Check FSANZ Schedule 15.

🇮🇳 India

May be restricted
Agency: FSSAI

Check FSSAI regulations. India follows Codex Alimentarius guidelines.

🇰🇷 KR

May be restricted
Agency: MFDS

Check MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety).

🇧🇷 Brazil

Approved
Agency: ANVISA

Generally aligned with Codex/US standards. Regulated by ANVISA.

🇨🇳 China

May be restricted
Agency: GB 2760

China has independent standards. Check GB 2760.

Note: Canada, Australia/NZ, India, South Korea, Brazil, and China statuses are inferred from international regulatory patterns. Always verify with the relevant national authority.

This additive is banned or not approved in at least one country

Regulatory agencies in different countries may reach different conclusions about the same ingredient based on their assessment criteria, acceptable risk levels, and available evidence. Always check the latest regulations in your region.

Expert Analysis

Potassium Bromate is classified as a flour treatment agent in the food additive regulatory framework. Significant safety concerns have been identified, and this additive is restricted or banned in multiple markets. Notably, regulatory agencies disagree on this additive — it is banned in the EU but approved in the US. This regulatory divergence reflects different risk assessment philosophies between jurisdictions. Potassium Bromate remains one of the most debated food additives, generating significant public and scientific discussion. Consumers who prefer to follow the precautionary principle may wish to limit their intake. As with all food additives, moderation is key. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary advice.

Is Potassium Bromate safe?

Potassium Bromate has a safety rating of "Avoid / Concerns". Significant concerns; banned in some countries or classified as possible carcinogen

Is Potassium Bromate vegan?

Potassium Bromate is generally considered vegan-friendly, though sourcing may vary.

Is Potassium Bromate banned in Europe?

Yes, Potassium Bromate is banned in the EU. Banned in EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, China. Legal in US. IARC Group 2B carcinogen

What is Potassium Bromate made from?

Banned in EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, China. Legal in US. IARC Group 2B carcinogen

Historical Timeline

1914 First used in bread making
1990s Multiple countries begin banning
1999 IARC classifies as Group 2B
2020s US remains one of few countries still allowing it

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Potassium Bromate safe?
Potassium Bromate has a safety rating of "Avoid / Concerns" based on regulatory data from 10 countries including the US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and more. Significant concerns; banned in some countries or classified as possible carcinogen Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Is Potassium Bromate banned in any country?
Yes, Potassium Bromate is banned or not approved in at least one major market. US: Approved. EU: BANNED. UK: BANNED. Japan: BANNED.
What is Potassium Bromate used for?
Potassium Bromate is a food additive in the "Flour Treatment Agent" category. Banned in EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, China. Legal in US. IARC Group 2B carcinogen

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