@draizident: That bread you eat almost every day may contain something that should NOT be there. Potassium bromate is a dough improver that has been used by some bakers because it makes dough more elastic, helps the bread rise, and can produce bread that is softer, fluffier and more appealing. The problem? Potassium bromate is prohibited in bread production in Nigeria. Yet studies continue to detect it in bread samples sold in different parts of the country, with some studies reporting levels as high as 92% to 100% of the samples tested. Why is it still being used? Because it can improve the baking properties of dough, make bread production easier, and potentially reduce production costs. But this is not just about how soft, fluffy or attractive your bread looks. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies potassium bromate as possibly carcinogenic to humans. There are also concerns about its potential toxic effects with prolonged exposure. So, if its use in bread is prohibited, why are studies still finding it in bread? This raises important questions about compliance, surveillance, laboratory testing and enforcement of food safety regulations. As consumers, we should be aware of what goes into the food we eat every day. And food safety should not be something we have to investigate for ourselves. We should be able to buy a loaf of bread without having to wonder whether an illegal chemical was added to make it look better, rise better or last longer. This is not about telling Nigerians to stop eating bread. It is about demanding safer food, proper monitoring and enforcement of the regulations that already exist. Because something being commonly sold does not automatically mean it is safe. #draizident #tallnigeriandoctor

The Tall Nigerian Doctor

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Monday 05 October 2026 16:21:02 GMT