Be careful what bread you buy friend – many popular types of bread, tortillas and other packaged baked goods may contain potassium bromate, a food chemical linked to cancer.

In 1999, the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency classified potassium bromate as a possible human carcinogen. Multiple studies have also linked it to increased tumors in the kidneys, thyroid and other organs. Because of these concerns, potassium bromate is banned in several countries, including Brazil, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, potassium bromate is still legal in much of the U.S. The FDA hasn’t even reviewed its safety since 1973. It’s outrageous! EWG has identified over 200 products containing potassium bromate, including popular types of bread, tortillas and other baked goods.

California banned potassium bromate in food back in 2023. Now New York lawmakers are trying to pass their own ban – it's sitting on the governor's desk right now, awaiting a signature. But without federal action, this chemical is still legal across most of the country.

EWG is fighting to get harmful chemicals like potassium bromate out of our food, but we need your help. Do you have time to complete our short survey before midnight tonight? Your response will help EWG take a stand for stronger food safety protections.

Thanks for taking action, friend.

– EWG