Specimen No. 0069
AvoidSyntheticfood additive
Azodicarbonamide (ADA)
azodicarbonamide · ada · e927a
Dough conditioner and flour bleacher that can form semicarbazide (SEM) during baking — a carcinogen. Banned in the EU and Australia. Subway famously removed it under public pressure.
medium confidence
Researched April 18, 2026Specimen 0069Azodicarbonamide (ADA)
Concerns
- Decomposes during baking to form semicarbazide (SEM) — associated with tumor formation in mice
- Banned in EU (E927a prohibited), UK, and Australia
- Primary use in plastic foam manufacturing — raises concerns about food appropriateness
- Occupational asthma risk for bakery workers
Regulatory flags
- ⚑Banned as food additive in EU, Australia, UK
- ⚑WHO: potential occupational asthma cause
- ⚑FDA permits in US at ≤45 ppm
Commonly found in
Commercial breadBagelsBurger bunsPizza dough (US fast food)
Sources & references
Last researched: April 18, 2026
Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.
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