Azodicarbonamide

Definition

Azodicarbonamide is used to treat and bleach flour, and as a dough conditioner in breads.

Health considerations

Azodicarbonamide decomposes to produce, among others, semicarbazide. Semicarbazide has shown carcinogenic and DNA-damaging effects in animal studies. Azodicarbonamide has been associated with allergy development; it is also currently being studied for use as an immunosuppressant drug.

Keep in mind

Azodicarbonamide is banned as a food additive in Europe and Australia.

May be found in

Flour, foods containing flour, bread, bread crumbs

References

EFSA
Nature Medicine

Alternative Spellings and Names

E927a