Is Potassium bromate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Potassium bromate is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (processing aids).
CAS 7758-01-2.
Other names: E924, bromate
Is Potassium bromate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | bread, bakery flour, pizza dough |
| CAS number | 7758-01-2 |
What is Potassium bromate?
Potassium bromate is a flour-maturing agent used in bread baking.
Why is Potassium bromate used in food?
It is used to bleach, preserve, color or process food more cheaply at industrial scale.
Is Potassium bromate dangerous? Documented risks
Possibly carcinogenic (IARC 2B); banned in the EU, UK, Canada and many countries.
Common US products containing Potassium bromate
- bread
- bakery flour
- pizza dough
How to avoid Potassium bromate: safer alternatives
Choose minimally processed and EU-imported foods, read labels for these additives, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag them.
Frequently asked questions about Potassium bromate
Is Potassium bromate banned in the EU?
Yes — Potassium bromate is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Potassium bromate allowed in the US?
Potassium bromate is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Potassium bromate a concern?
Independent reviews flag Potassium bromate for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Potassium bromate?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Potassium bromate instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Potassium bromate or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related processing aids
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- Banned ingredients in other countries — Food Revolution Network
- EFSA food additives — EFSA
- FDA Food Additives — U.S. FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.