E924 Potassium Bromate

E924Flour treatment agentsOrigin: Lab-made

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Gluten-freeNo

Only used in wheat flour, so foods containing it contain gluten.

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoNo

Only found in bread and flour products.

Low-FODMAPNo

Found in wheat bread, which is high-FODMAP.

The short answer

Potassium bromate (E924) is a dough strengthener banned in the EU, UK and Canada because it causes cancer in animals. It's still legal in the US; look for "bromated flour."

15/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE924

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesFlour treatment agents

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledPotassium bromate, Bromated flour

Bake with unbromated flour

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Unbromated bread flour

Brands like King Arthur never use bromate.

Shop unbromated flour Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Organic bread

Certified organic bread can't contain bromate.

Shop organic bread Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry swap

Vital wheat gluten

Strengthens dough naturally.

Shop vital wheat gluten Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionBanned

🇨🇦 Health CanadaBanned

CaliforniaRestrictedBanned in California food from 2027 (California Food Safety Act, AB 418)

Banned in the EU, UK, Canada and many other countries. Still allowed in the US, though most large bakeries have stopped using it. California bans it from 2027.

Daily limit: No safe daily amount has been set.

What is it?

Potassium bromate makes dough stronger and bread rise higher. It should break down during baking, but traces can remain.

Where it comes from: A synthetic salt mixed into flour to strengthen dough.

Why it’s in food

Makes bread rise taller
Gives rolls a whiter crumb

Often found in

Some rolls and bunsBagelsBread crumbsBromated flour

Also listed as: Potassium bromate, Bromated flour, Bromate

Health & gut impact

CancerUnder study

Classed as possibly carcinogenic to humans (2B); causes kidney tumors in rats.

IARC Monographs Vol. 73 (1999)

What can I use instead?

Unbromated flour

Ratio: 1:1

Best for: All bread baking

Ascorbic acid

Ratio: A pinch per loaf

Best for: Dough strengthening

More flour treatment agents:

L-Cysteine E920L-cysteine (E920) softens dough in bagels and pizza crust. It's often made from duck feathers or pig hair, so it's only reliably vegan or halal when certified.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Potassium Bromate safe?

Best to avoid (15/100). Banned in the EU, UK, Canada and many other countries. Still allowed in the US, though most large bakeries have stopped using it. California bans it from 2027.

Is Potassium Bromate vegan?

Yes.

Is Potassium Bromate gluten-free?

No. Only used in wheat flour, so foods containing it contain gluten.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 172.730 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E924
IARC Monographs Vol. 73 (1999)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 924 · CAS 7758-01-2