Bromate Use in Bread: The Hidden Health Risks

December 18, 2024

2 minutes read

Bromate

Bread, a staple food in many Nigerian households, is increasingly under scrutiny due to the use of potassium bromate in its production. Despite being banned in Nigeria and several other countries due to its carcinogenic properties, the chemical remains a common additive in bread-making.

Potassium bromate is favored by some bakers because it enhances dough elasticity, increases loaf volume, and improves the texture of bread. These qualities make it appealing for commercial production, where consistent quality and profitability are priorities. However, its use comes at a significant cost to public health.

Health Risks of Bromate

Numerous studies have linked potassium bromate to serious health issues, including:

  • Cancer: Long-term exposure to bromate has been associated with kidney, thyroid, and gastrointestinal cancers.
  • Organ Damage: The chemical is known to cause oxidative damage to cells, leading to impaired kidney and liver function.
  • Respiratory Issues: Inhaling bromate powder during bread production can harm the respiratory system, particularly for bakery workers.

The compound is particularly dangerous because it can persist in bread if not properly broken down during baking, posing a direct threat to consumers.

Regulatory Challenges

The Nigerian government has banned the use of potassium bromate in bread production, but enforcement remains a challenge. Limited regulatory oversight and a lack of awareness among consumers allow some bakers to continue using the additive unchecked.

Experts have urged the government to strengthen food safety measures, including routine inspections and strict penalties for non-compliance. Public education campaigns are also essential to inform consumers about the risks and encourage them to patronize bakeries that adhere to safety standards.

Safer alternatives to bromate exist, including ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), which can achieve similar results in bread production without harmful side effects. Many countries have successfully transitioned to these alternatives, demonstrating that a shift is possible with the right support and regulation.

The continued use of bromate in bread-making is a pressing public health issue. Urgent action is needed to enforce bans, promote safer practices, and protect consumers from the dangers lurking in a seemingly harmless staple.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

RealMecus

RealMecus: TikTok Star and Philanthropist Making Waves

Aliozor Toochukwu Justin, better known as RealMecus, has risen from a TikTok sensation to a ...

SEC

SEC Extends Private Funds Disclosure Deadline to October 2026

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved a second ...

GOLD_3_6

Thieves Steal Gold Worth €600,000 from Paris Museum

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Paris’s National Natural History Museum reported a theft of gold ...

Letsile

Tebogo Advances to 200m Semi-Finals in Tokyo

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo secured a spot in the men’s 200-meter semi-finals at the World Athletics ...

Latest News

Today in History

September 18th is the day in 1870 that Old Faithful Geyser is observed and named by Henry D. Washburn during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition to Yellowstone.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.3145
GH Ghana Cedi12.2483
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,680.58
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,492.71
CF CFA Franc BEAC556.163
18 Sep · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 18 Sep 2025 07:05 UTC
Latest change: 18 Sep 2025 07:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?