Comparison
Azodicarbonamide vs Potassium Bromate
The short answer
Both are dough conditioners banned in the EU and still legal in the US, and both are worth avoiding. Potassium bromate is the bigger concern: it's a possible carcinogen itself, and California is banning it from 2027.| Side by side | Azodicarbonamide (ADA) | Potassium Bromate |
|---|---|---|
| Safety score | 30/100 Best to avoid | 15/100 Best to avoid |
| Allowed in the EU | No | No |
| Allowed in Canada | Yes, up to 45 ppm | No ✓ Better |
| Main concern | Breakdown products after baking ✓ Better | The chemical itself (possible carcinogen) |
| California ban | No | Yes, from 2027 |
| Found in | Buns, bagels, sandwich bread | Rolls, buns, bromated flour |
| Safety score | 30 ✓ Better | 15 |
Swapping one for the other
Buy flour labeled "unbleached" and "unbromated," and look for bread with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as the dough conditioner instead. Certified organic bread can't use either.
Common questions
How do I avoid both?
Check bread labels for "azodicarbonamide" and "potassium bromate" or "bromated flour." Organic bread contains neither.