PANAJI
However, the FDA was mum when asked if the bread used by franchise partners of branded pizza houses in Goa could be using potassium bromate and potassium iodate -- the ingredients that were said to be dangerous for human consumption. It may be noted that several franchisee partners, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Domino s, Subway, Britannia and others which have been red-marked in the survey have set shop in Goa and could be using an uniform production procedure. Despite persistent questioning on the checks on these outlets over the content used for bread, FDA officials evaded a direct answer and said that the results of samples which have been taken from across the state will be out soon. “It would be premature to comment on preservatives being used,” they stated. “Based on media news I have asked my officials to check some varieties of bread samples available in the market, So at this stage I cannot comment till our findings from the lab are out,” stated FDA director Salim Veljee, adding that it may take a couple of days for this exercise to complete. The Goa Baker s Association had, however, said on Monday that they don t used any form of chemicals in the preparation of traditional pao. According to the association, the only ingredients that are used are water, salt, yeast and a little sugar (for taste). The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had on Monday revealed that nearly 84 per cent of 38 commonly available brands of pre-packaged bread, including pav and buns, tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate, both considered to be cancer-causing (carcinogenic). Samples tested for the CSE report included those from Britannia, Harvest Gold and fast food chains including KFC, Pizza Hut, Domino s, Subway, McDonald s and Slice of Italy. The chemicals found are usually used in treating flour while making bread. Many countries have banned the use of the chemical because they were listed as being hazardous for public health. While potassium bromate is a category 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans), potassium iodate could trigger thyroid disorders. Refusing to comment on the popularly used preservative in Goa, both Veljee and officials at the department said they would comment only after the results would be obtained, probably in a week s time.
Govt set to ban potassium bromatethyroid disorders but India has not banned their use. Nadda said he has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to take the matter seriously and submit a report at the earliest. “I have told FSSAI to take the matter seriously and submit the report. They are coming out with a report. The Ministry will take appropriate action accordingly. We will take action as soon as the report comes,” Nadda told reporters. “Potassium bromate is one of 11,000 food additives that are allowed in food business. After careful consideration, the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has decided to remove potassium bromate from the list of permissible additives,” FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal said.
