The health of consumers of flour products in the Takoradi metropolis is in danger as some of the bakers have reverted to the use of potassium bromate in baking bread and pastries. Potassium bromate, was banned over a decade ago, but some bakers have reverted to its use to reduce cost. It comes in the form of white crystals, powder and can be obtained in tablets form slightly bigger than paracetamol. It is used to increase the size of the dough before baking. Potassium bromate is used as a flour improver, where it strengthens the dough, allowing higher rising. It is an oxidizing agent, and under the right conditions, will be completely used up in the baking bread. However, if too much is used, or the bread is not cooked along enough or at a high enough temperature, then a residual amount will remain. Potassium bromate has been banned in many countries. Experts say it is carcinogenic and can cause cancer. It is being sold secretly at the market in Takoradi and is called "the thing" which translates into Fante as Adze no. This reporter’s investigation was prompted by a conversation he overheard between two bakers at a flour mill. Those who supply it, sell it only to those they know. It is believed to be sold by those who deal in additives for bread and pastries. The question many people are asking, is how did this banned product find its way back on to the market and how many consumers have been exposed to the chemical? The Zonal Manager of the Food and Drugs Board (FDB) in charge of the Western and Central Regions, George Paintsil, confirmed to the Ghanaian Times that the product is being sold on the market. He said that the product was banned as an ingredient preparation of bread ten years ago when scientists realised after a series of tests that it was dangerous to human health. "But the product has found it way back on the market and some bakers are using it in the baking process." He explained that the potency of the potassium bromate reduces when subjected to heat but some residue always remains in the bread. For this reason, Mr Paintsil said that flour mills were advised to stop using it and many countries including Ghana have banned it as a bread enhancer. Bakers, he explained have no excuse for using potassium bromate because the flour mills are using premix which fortifies the bread. He warned that the FBD will cause the arrest of any seller and user of the chemical. The FDB, he said will soon meet the bakers and millers in the Western Region on the matter. Source: The Ghanaian Times