The Government has clarified that azodicarbonamide (ADA), a chemical used in several countries as a flour bleaching and dough-strengthening agent, is not approved for use in India.
In a written reply to a question in Parliament, the Union Ministry of Health stated that under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, the use of azodicarbonamide is not permitted in any food product in the country.
The ministry, however, noted that butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), an antioxidant, is permitted in certain food categories, including bakery products. According to the reply, BHA can be used in bakery items up to a maximum level of 200 mg per kg.
The approval of BHA is based on risk assessments conducted by global scientific bodies such as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the ministry said.
The Health Ministry further emphasised that food business operators are required to comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, along with the rules and regulations framed under it. To ensure adherence to prescribed standards and limits, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), through state and Union Territory authorities, regional offices, and food safety departments, carries out regular surveillance and targeted enforcement activities.
The ministry added that regulatory action is taken in cases of non-compliance, though no specific details of such actions were disclosed.