Dominos Pizza in India Can Cause These Deadly Diseases Yet They Are Safe in Western Countries

Shockingly, a study by the Centre for Science and Environment in 2016 found that as much as 84% of the bread and bakery samples, including that of Domino’s Pizza, in Delhi contained potassium bromate and potassium iodate, both of which have been related to serious health hazards.

This raises the question whether food safety in India is less strict than it is in Western countries, which ban such substances.

The CSE Study and Its Findings

A total of 38 samples of bread products were analyzed, which included ready-to-eat pizza bases from popular fast-food outlets like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s. Of these, potassium bromate and potassium iodate were found at concentrations ranging from 1.15 to 22.54 ppm.

Both of these are hazardous; potassium bromate is a Category 2B carcinogen, or possibly carcinogenic to humans, and potassium iodate can interfere with thyroid function.

Global Context: Banned Elsewhere, Allowed in India

Potassium bromate is banned in many countries, including the European Union, Canada, and the UK, due to its potential carcinogenic effects. Potassium iodate is also banned in certain regions due to its thyroid toxicity.

In India, however, these chemicals were permitted as flour treatment agents at regulated levels till public outcry forced regulatory action.

Domino’s Pizza and the Indian Market

Domino’s India did not comment publicly on the use of these additives, but the study said they were present in pizza bases sold locally.

The companies were criticized for not responding directly to these findings. The FSSAI has since vowed to delist potassium bromate from its list of permitted additives, but it continues to review potassium iodate.

Health Risks of These Chemicals

1. Cancer Risk: Potassium bromate has been shown to cause kidney and thyroid tumors in laboratory animals, and therefore there is a potential long-term risk to human health.

2.Thyroid Disorders: Potassium iodate can lead to excessive iodine intake, which may cause hyperthyroidism or other thyroid disorders.

3. Accumulated Exposure: Regular consumption of bread products containing these chemicals could lead to a significant increase in health risks over time

Safety Standards in Western Countries

Western countries have more stringent rules regarding food safety. In the United States, for instance, while potassium bromate is not entirely banned, it must be declared if used, so the consumer can make an informed decision about the product.

Similarly, countries that have banned the chemicals use other methods to produce bread instead, such as using ascorbic acid as a safer dough conditioner.

Regulatory and Public Response in India

The Indian government made efforts to rectify the problem after the study. The FSSAI delisted potassium bromate from its list of approved substances, and an investigation was initiated into the use of potassium iodate.

However, awareness among consumers is still limited, and these regulations are rarely implemented, especially in smaller bakeries.

The CSE report highlighted a critical gap in India’s food safety standards. While companies like Domino’s have extensive global operations, the discrepancy in safety practices between countries is concerning.

To ensure consumer safety, stricter enforcement of regulations, greater transparency from food companies, and widespread public education are essential.

For Indian consumers, this study reminds them to scrutinize food labels and demand higher standards from regulators and companies alike. This is not only a matter of public health but also of regaining trust in the food industry.

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