Toxic Bread: Nigerian Bakers Under Fire For Using Harmful Chemicals Despite Ban

Bread, a staple food consumed by millions in Nigeria and across the world, is often viewed as a convenient, affordable meal option. Yet, recent investigations have uncovered a troubling reality: some bread brands in Nigeria are laced with dangerous chemicals, turning this beloved food into a silent health threat.

Researchers in cities like Lagos, Ado-Ekiti, Ile-Ife, Port Harcourt, and Yobe have detected alarmingly high levels of potassium bromate and heavy metals—such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and chromium—in popular bread brands. These substances, when consumed over time, can lead to devastating health conditions, including cancer and kidney failure.

Despite a 2003 ban on potassium bromate in flour and bread production by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the toxic additive continues to find its way into bakery products. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global regulatory bodies recommend a maximum safe limit of 0.02 mg/kg, but bread samples in Nigeria show levels exceeding 0.05 mg/kg, far above acceptable thresholds.

NAFDAC has issued repeated warnings to bakers, threatening to shut down those who flout regulations. However, the Professional Bakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) insists its members adhere to strict safety standards, blaming unregulated, rogue bakers for the widespread use of banned substances. PBAN has called on NAFDAC to crack down on unregistered bakeries rather than issuing warnings.

Potassium bromate, widely used by unscrupulous bakers, is favored for its ability to strengthen bread dough, improve texture, and create appealing softness in the finished product. It is a cost-effective and powerful oxidizing agent, but its risks far outweigh its benefits. Ingesting potassium bromate, even in small amounts, has been linked to severe health consequences.

While countries worldwide have banned or tightly regulated potassium bromate, enforcement in Nigeria remains weak. Researchers warn that unless the government strengthens monitoring and imposes harsher penalties, millions of Nigerians remain at risk of long-term health crises.

Bread, once a symbol of sustenance and simplicity, now carries the shadow of contamination. As families rely on it daily, ensuring its safety must become a top priority to protect public health and restore trust in one of the nation’s most beloved foods.