The Lab
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, 2026

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)

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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