Bill seeks to ban food additive found in many flours
A bill that recently passed the New York state Senate and Assembly seeks to ban potassium bromate, which is found in many flours.
Top Stories
The Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act, recently passed in the New York state Assembly and Senate, would require the disclosure of chemical ingredients in food and would ban potassium bromate which is found in many flours.
Rob Cervoni, owner of Taglio Pizza, said potassium bromate is "like using steroids for your dough" because it makes it makes it easier to stretch, helps with fermentation and makes it last longer. But Cervoni does not use it in any of his products because officials say it carries health risks. Instead, Cervoni imports his flour from Italy, which he says is better for you.
Francesco Guerrieri, owner of Francesco's Bakery in Hicksville, is one of many bakeries using flour which contains potassium bromate. He said he wants his baked goods to be healthy but also wants them to be good products. He says he's worried about the potential financial impact on his business if the potassium bromate is banned.
News 12 reached out to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office, asking if she plans on signing the bill into law and has not yet heard back.
