Samples of bread and bakery found hazardous in Delhi
Samples of bread and bakery found hazardous in Delhi

Lately people are relying on bread and packaged food in India, but people may not be aware of the outcome from its consumption. According to a research by CSE the bread that we consume contain cancer-causing chemicals.

As per the findings, based on samples collected from Delhi, the organisation has prompted the union health minister to seek a report, even as bread manufacturers staunchly denied use of harmful ingredients in their products.

As much as 84 per cent of 38 commonly available brands of pre-packaged breads tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate, according to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

The two ingredients have been banned by many countries, listing them as "hazardous" for public health, stated the report.

There is no ban on these substances in India. The All India Bread Manufacturer's Association (AIBMA) denied widespread usage of potassium bromate. "Majority of Indian bread manufacturers do not use potassium bromate. We are going to present our point of view soon," shared Sudeep Ahuja Treasurer.

According to Ahuja, some companies use potassium bromate to increase the shelf life of breads. This ingredient is used widely in the US in breads, he claimed, suggesting that the substance isn't harmful. The association will meet with its members to discuss further course of action and present its views to the government, he said. CSE claimed that while one of the chemicals is a category 2B carcinogen possibly carcinogenic to humans the other one could trigger thyroid disorders.

 
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