The crackdown comes after researchers found toxic substances were found in bread – which could potentially cause various disorders ranging from thyroid problems to cancer.
“Just two slices of bread every day is enough to put us at a higher risk of thyroid problems and cancer,” Chandra Bhushan, deputy director of the environmental think-tank CSE, said in the report. Several burgers and ready-to-eat buns were found to contain hazardous potassium bromate and potassium iodate. The study was conducted on 38 samples of different varieties of bread, which are used by Indians on an everyday basis. It has found 32 were found to contain dangerously high levels of potassium.
Study reveals bread may cause cancer!
— India Today (@IndiaToday) May 24, 2016
Watch #ITVideo for CSE's food report.https://t.co/XWuIx5aWqF
Bhushan added: “We found 84% of samples tested positively for potassium bromate/iodate. We re-confirmed the presence of potassium bromate/iodate in a few samples through an external third-party laboratory. We checked labels and talked to industry officials and scientists. Our study confirms the widespread use of potassium bromate/iodate as well as the presence of bromate/iodate residues in the final product.”
There needs to be a wholistic review of food safety in India, Potassium Bromate is banned in countries like Nigeria. #Bread #Cancer
— अमित सिंह (@amitsingh2203) May 24, 2016
The country’s Health Minister JP Nadda has ordered an inquiry into the claims and said a thorough investigation will take place. He said: “I have told my officials to report to me on an urgent basis. There is no need to panic. Very soon we will come out with the report.”
All the food giants, whose products have found chemicals, have denied their products contain any toxic substances.
