PANAJI
The results of Goa's bread test are out. The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) report of 18 bread samples revealed that 4 of the samples contained cancer causing chemical (potassium bromate) but in permissible limit.
In what may come as a big relief, Goa’s loved local pao has got the green light, testing negative for the presence of any carcinogenic chemical.
According to a press statement issued by the FDA, 29 bread samples were tested which included the local pao, brown and white sliced bread, pizza bread, cakes and other bread like hot dog bread, bun bread, etc. The samples were tested at the Food & Drugs Laboratory at Bambolim.
Of the 29 samples, reports for 18 were revealed. 14 bread samples did not show any presence of potassium bromate. These included slice bread, pizza bread and the local pao. Results for 11 samples are still being awaited.
“However, 4 samples were found positive for Potassium Bromate but all 4 samples contained potassium bromate reported to be below 25 parts per million as against the permissible limit of 50 parts per million as stipulated under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006,” FDA officials said.
Of the four that tested positive, three were sliced bread and one pizza bread. FDA officials also said the labels of all such slice bread and pizza bread did indicate potassium bromate was added in the list of ingredients on its label.
The department also said that FSSAI had not issued a ban on the food additive, “but once FSSAI notifies the prohibition or ban on potassium bromate, then the said food additive cannot be used”.
Reports of the remaining 11 samples -- four cakes, four slice bread, one pizza bread, one bun bread and one local pao -- are expected by Thursday.
FDA also issued a precaution to consumers asking them to check labels of food articles for list of ingredients.
“As a matter of abundant precaution the consumers should check labels of food articles for the list of ingredients added in pre-packaged items like sliced bread, pizza bread or any pre-packaged bread to ascertain the presence of usage or addition of potassium bromate, which is used as flour treatment agent to give a blooming effect for the bread,” officials said.
