Question

According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment, 84% of 34 bread types sold in India contain potassium bromate, a carcinogen. Consider the following statements about the Potassium bromate:

Which of the above statements are correct?

• A. Only 1&2
• B. Only 2 &3
• C. Only 1 &3
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A Only 1&2

Sodium nitrite and Sodium benzoate are commonly used to preserve meat products. It prevents bacteria growth and help meat to retain its color. Although banned for use in foods by many countries, in the USA Potassium bromate is typically used as a flour improver (E numberE924). It acts to strengthen the dough and to allow 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 baked long enough or not at a high enough temperature, then a residual amount will remain, which may be harmful if consumed. Potassium bromate might also be used in the production of malt barley where the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prescribed certain conditions where it may be used safely, which includes labeling standards for the finished malt barley product. It is a very powerful oxidizer (E° = 1.5 volts comparable to potassium permanganate). Potassium bromate is classified as a category 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Potassium bromate has been banned from use in food products in the European Union, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria, South Korea, Peru and some other countries. It was banned in Sri Lanka in 2001and China in 2005.