Bleached Flour
FDA permits benzoyl peroxide and chlorine bleaching of flour. Azodicarbonamide (ADC), used as a flour treatment agent, is banned in the EU and Australia and has raised concerns due to byproducts (semicarbazide, urethane).
What it is
Wheat flour treated with chemical bleaching agents (typically benzoyl peroxide, chlorine gas, or azodicarbonamide) to whiten color and accelerate aging.
Provides whiter appearance, finer grain in baked goods, and improved performance in cakes and pastries.
Why it's flagged
- ADC banned in EU/Australia
- byproducts of chlorine and ADC bleaching
- destruction of nutrients in flour
What regulators actually say
"Bleached flour... may be bleached by means of one or more of the following bleaching ingredients..."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Bleaching agents permitted under 21 CFR 137.105 and 21 CFR 172.806 (azodicarbonamide up to 45 ppm)
European Union — EFSA
Azodicarbonamide not approved as flour treatment in EU; benzoyl peroxide not on EU food additive list
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