Bread could cause cancer and impotence

Consumers of bread are at risk of getting cancer and other diseases including male impotence, according a report published by the Weekend Agenda.

The paper says disturbing findings of a research work carried out in certain parts of the Brong Ahafo Region and northern Ghana indicate that some bakers there are using potassium bromate which scientists have identified as "carcinogen" (something which can cause cancer) in their flour to prepare bread.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the use of the chemical compound is widespread even in Accra. The Ministry of Trade and Industry had banned its use in 1997, following tests conducted by the Ghana Standards Board and the Environmental Protection Agency, which linked the bromate, a form of yeast making break expand unusually, to cancer.

The discovery of the compound in bread in the country reached alarming proportion in 1996. Potassium Bromate in itself is said not to be a bad substance except when used in excessive quantities and following the public outcry, the Ghana Standards Board asked the country's flourmills to put the required quantity during the preparation of the flour.

“This was to prevent the bakers from abusing the system but because it helps the flour to expand, the bakers bought them under cover and added more to their flour," said Kofi Amponsah Bediako, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Standards Board.