Sodium Bromate
Bromates are nephrotoxic, ototoxic (can cause profound hearing loss), and potassium bromate is classified as Group 2B 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' by IARC. Sodium bromate has the same bromate ion and similar toxicity.
What it is
Sodium bromate (NaBrO3), an inorganic oxidizing agent. Closely related to potassium bromate (E924), a banned flour treatment.
Historically used as a flour-improver/oxidizer (rare). Mostly used industrially in hair treatments and dyeing, not as a food ingredient.
Why it's flagged
- Nephrotoxic (acute kidney injury)
- Ototoxic — can cause irreversible hearing loss
- Bromate ion is IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen (analogous to potassium bromate)
What regulators actually say
"Potassium bromate is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of potassium bromate."
"Bromate poisoning from ingestion of potassium or sodium bromate causes a characteristic triad of acute renal failure, sensorineural hearing loss and gastrointestinal symptoms; hearing loss is often profound and irreversible."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not GRAS, not approved as a food additive in the US
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized; potassium bromate (E924) banned for food use in EU
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