Specimen No. 0193
AvoidSyntheticfood banned near banned processing agents
Benzoyl Peroxide
flour bleaching
Master DB rating: Avoid. Listed for: Bleached flour, bread products
medium confidence
Researched July 7, 2026Specimen 0193Benzoyl Peroxide
Concerns
- Used as a flour bleaching agent that oxidizes carotenoid pigments to whiten flour, breaking down mainly to benzoic acid (Saiz et al. 2001)
- In mice given oral doses well above typical dietary exposure (50-200 mg/kg/day for 42 days), it decreased liver antioxidant enzyme (SOD) activity and increased lipid peroxidation markers (Jia et al. 2011); not listed on labels as it is a processing aid
Regulatory flags
- ⚑IARC Class: NL
- ⚑EDC Status: None
- ⚑Regulatory: US: permitted processing aid; EU: banned
- ⚑Evidence Grade: B
Commonly found in
Bleached flour, bread products
Sources & references
Last researched: July 7, 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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