Which one of the following statements is not correct?

Centre for Science and Environment in a recent study found that a number of commonly available brands of prepackaged breads tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India recommended to the Health Ministry to remove potassium bromate from the list of permissible food additives.

The Union Government banned the use of potassium bromate as a food additive on the basis of the above recommendation.

Potassium bromate is a neurotoxin.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2016

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Statements A, B, and C accurately reflect events surrounding the controversy regarding potassium bromate in bread in India around 2016. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) did publish a study finding potassium bromate in bread. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) did recommend removing it from the list of permissible additives. The Union Government subsequently banned its use as a food additive. However, statement D is incorrect. While potassium bromate is considered harmful, it is primarily classified as a potential carcinogen (Group 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer – IARC), not a neurotoxin. There is no significant evidence classifying it primarily as a neurotoxin.

Potassium bromate was identified as a potential health hazard (specifically, a potential carcinogen) when used as a food additive, leading to its ban in India.

Potassium bromate was traditionally used as a flour improver, helping in dough development and giving a soft texture to bread. Due to its classification as a potential carcinogen and its ban in numerous countries, calls were made for its prohibition in India, which resulted in the FSSAI recommendation and subsequent government ban in 2016.

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