Bleaching Agent
'Bleaching agent' is an umbrella term covering several substances with diverse safety profiles. Some, like azodicarbonamide (ADA), are permitted in the US under 21 CFR 172.806 but banned in the EU and Australia.
What it is
Generic class of chemicals used to whiten or modify color/maturation of flour and other foods (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, chlorine dioxide, azodicarbonamide, calcium peroxide).
Flour bleaching, dough conditioning, oxidation.
Why it's flagged
- Azodicarbonamide (one variant, permitted in US, banned in EU) forms semicarbazide and urethane during baking
What regulators actually say
"The food additive azodicarbonamide may be safely used in food when used as an aging and bleaching ingredient in cereal flour at levels not exceeding 45 ppm."
"Azodicarbonamide is not authorised for use as a food additive in the European Union."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Specific bleaching agents listed in 21 CFR 137.105 (bleached flour) and 172.806 (azodicarbonamide).
European Union — EFSA
Azodicarbonamide is NOT authorized in the EU; other agents evaluated individually.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app