FDA Status
Banned
Since 2025-01-15
Potassium Bromate, CAS 7758-01-2, is a preservative additive holding a composite safety score of 1 out of 5 (Banned / Avoid). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Banned (status effective 2025-01-15), while the European Union lists it as Banned. This ingredient appears in approximately 16 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Bread, rolls, baked goods (bromated flour).
Regulatory pressure is notable: 4 U.S. states have enacted legislation targeting Potassium Bromate, including California, Illinois, New York and 1 other. State actions frequently diverge from federal FDA policy, with legislative trends tending toward stricter controls than the federal baseline.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Potassium Bromate, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Banned (2025-01-15) | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Banned | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | — | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 7758-01-2 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 1 / 5 (Banned / Avoid) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 4 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 16 | 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.
1.0 / 5
Composite Safety Banned / Avoid
Safety Score: 1 out of 5
Safety Rating 20.0%
EU Status
Banned
U.S. State Regulations
4 states
California, Illinois
Safety Assessment
Potassium Bromate receives a safety score of 1/5 (Banned / Avoid) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has banned Potassium Bromate from food use, indicating sufficient evidence of safety concerns.
Notably, 4 US states have enacted regulations targeting Potassium Bromate, reflecting growing legislative attention to food additive safety at the state level. These state actions may differ from federal FDA policy and can range from outright bans to usage restrictions in certain product categories.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Potassium Bromate. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Potassium Bromate?
Flour improver that strengthens bread dough.
Health Concerns
- Possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B). Banned in EU, UK, Canada, China, India, Brazil.
Common Uses
Bread, rolls, baked goods (bromated flour)
State Regulations
| State | Status | Effective Date | Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Banned | 2027-01-01 | AB 418 |
| Illinois | Banned | 2027-01-01 | HB 2415 |
| New York | Banned | 2027-07-01 | A 6424 |
| West Virginia | Banned | 2026-06-01 | SB 467 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Potassium Bromate safe to consume?
Potassium Bromate has a safety score of 1/5 (Banned / Avoid). It is banned by the FDA. It is regulated in 4 US states. Check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is Potassium Bromate used for in food?
Potassium Bromate is commonly used as: Bread, rolls, baked goods (bromated flour). It belongs to the Preservative category of food additives.
Is Potassium Bromate banned in any US states?
Yes, Potassium Bromate is regulated in 4 US states: California, Illinois, New York, West Virginia. Regulations vary from full bans to restrictions on specific uses.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Potassium Bromate?
The FDA classifies Potassium Bromate as "Banned", while the EU status is "Banned". The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Potassium Bromate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Potassium Bromate: Possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B). Banned in EU, UK, Canada, China, India, Brazil.. These findings inform its safety score of 1/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Potassium Bromate calculated?
The safety score of 1/5 for Potassium Bromate is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Preservative Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial