While the FDA has made statements claiming that the proper manufacturing process of potassium bromate converts it into a harmless substance, Europe has now banned it from food products there. Researchers at the University of Sussex claim there’s evidence that it may be toxic to humans and may promote the development of tumors. So, why would the FDA allow harmful additives in the foods we eat on a daily basis? Simply put, there’s a loophole in the law of food production that allows the FDA to claim a food is GRAS, meaning GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE. For a company to claim GRAS status, it must use compounds that are considered commonly safe among leading scientists. If the additive makes the cut, it flies under the radar of the FDA.
