Egyptian authorities have announced the dangers associated with a well-known chicken spice product in the Egyptian market, confirming that it contains carcinogenic substances. The Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade in Egypt decided yesterday to prohibit the use of "potassium bromate" in the production of all types of baked goods and pastries due to its carcinogenic properties.
Mohamed Fathi Salem, a professor at the Faculty of Agriculture at Sadat University, explained during the program "Masaa DMC" that the meat and chicken seasoning used in households contains potassium bromate, asserting that this substance helps make bread smoother. Fathi Salem added that potassium bromate accelerates the fermentation of bread dough. He emphasized that Egypt had been using it until yesterday, when its use was banned. He noted that this substance was previously used worldwide, with Japan having banned potassium bromate in baked goods in 1990, followed by the World Health Organization prohibiting its use globally in 1993 due to its link to prostate cancer and digestive system cancers.
The Ministry's decision includes a ban on the use of potassium bromate by tourist and local bakeries as well as confectionery shops in the production of pastries and baked goods. Article two of the decision states that anyone who violates this order will be punished according to Article 5 of Law No. 281 of 1994, with provisions for seizing and destroying the substance, as it is classified as a strong oxidizing chemical that appears in white crystal or powdered form.
