Flour Treatment · CAS 123-77-3
Azodicarbonamide (ADA)
FDA status: Approved. EU: Banned. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 2 out of 5 (Caution), and the European Union separately classifies it as banned.
The verdict
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is FDA-approved, though the EU lists it as banned.
- 2/5
- Caution
- Approved
- FDA status
- Banned
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Azodicarbonamide (ADA): composite 2/5 (Caution) with FDA Approved and EU Banned.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 123-77-3 | CAS Registry |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Banned | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | - | EU additive register |
| Category | Flour Treatment | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 2 / 5 (Caution) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Azodicarbonamide (ADA)?
Flour bleaching agent. Also used in yoga mats.
Health Concerns
- Breaks down into semicarbazide during baking, a potential carcinogen. Banned in EU, UK, Australia.
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Azodicarbonamide (ADA)
Product-count (0) and safety-score (2/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 2/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azodicarbonamide (ADA) safe to consume?
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) scores 2/5 (Caution). FDA status is Approved. Peer-reviewed flags sit behind the caution band. Check with a clinician for personal use.
What is Azodicarbonamide (ADA) used for in food?
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is commonly used as: Bread, buns, pizza dough. It belongs to the Flour Treatment category of food additives.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Azodicarbonamide (ADA)?
The FDA classifies Azodicarbonamide (ADA) as "Approved" while the EU status is "Banned". The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Azodicarbonamide (ADA)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Azodicarbonamide (ADA): Breaks down into semicarbazide during baking, a potential carcinogen. Banned in EU, UK, Australia.. These findings inform its safety score of 2/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.