New York State Moves to Ban Potassium Bromate in Baked Goods

New York is on the verge of becoming the first U.S. state to ban potassium bromate, a flour additive used to strengthen dough and give bagels and pizza their characteristic chew. The bill, which has passed the state legislature and awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature, would give businesses one year to phase out the ingredient. Potassium bromate is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and is already banned in the European Union, Canada, China, and several other countries. The additive has been linked to thyroid and kidney tumors in animal studies. Consumer advocacy groups, including the Environmental Working Group, have long pushed for its removal, citing health risks. The New York State Restaurant Association has expressed concerns about the impact on traditional recipes and the cost of reformulation. If signed into law, the ban would take effect in 2025.