Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer has launched an investigation into the sale and distribution of foods containing potassium bromate, a chemical additive used in some commercial baking flours.
Usmeyer’s office issued civil subpoenas to General Mills and General Mills Operations seeking records regarding brominated products sold to consumers, businesses and schools in Florida.
The investigation is being conducted under the Florida Deception and Unfair Trade Act and will examine the company’s supply chain, product disclosures, and research into the potential health effects of additives.
“This investigation is designed to protect Florida families and provide transparency to consumers,” Usmeyer said. “Floridians have a right to know what’s in the food they buy and feed their children.”
Potassium bromate is commonly used as a flour improver and dough conditioner in certain bakery products. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified the substance as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based in part on evidence from animal studies.
This additive is banned or restricted in many countries, including Canada, China, India, and European Union member states.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the subpoena seeks documents identifying all General Mills products containing potassium bromate sold in Florida. Specifically named products include Pillsbury Potent High Gluten Flour, Pillsbury Best Baker’s Patent Flour, Gold Medal All Ace Baker’s Flour, and Gold Medal Superlative Baker’s Flour.
The state also requires information about the company’s largest purchaser of these products in Florida from 2023 to 2026, as well as disclosures provided to buyers and companies that use the flour in downstream food products.
Investigators are seeking research from General Mills on the use of potassium bromate and its possible effects on human health. The subpoena also seeks records showing whether products containing the additive were sold to Florida schools serving students from preschool through 12th grade.
The issuance of a subpoena does not prove that General Mills violated Florida law. The investigation will determine whether the company’s sales and disclosure practices violated state consumer protection laws.
