Source: Azodicarbonamide has been banned in most European countries because it has been found to induce asthma. It has been deemed so dangerous that in Singapore, if you are found to use Azodicarbonamide in your products, you will receive a hefty $450,000 fine and up to 15 YEARS IN PRISON.
- This Ingredient Is Found In Most Cereals, Breads, But It's Also Found In Foamed Plastics and Rubber Too (Waking Times, Sep 11, 2013):
Why would it be necessary for the food industry to use the same additive in breads and cereals as what the chemical industry uses in the production of foamed plastics, synthetic leathers and rubber? We have been assured by our health regulatory agencies that azodicarbonamide is safe for use in our foods.If that's the case, then why has it been banned in Europe, Australia and the United Kingdom?
Azodicarbonamide is manufactured by the reaction of dihydrazine sulfate and urea under high temperature and pressure. The product of this reaction is then oxidized using sodium chlorate and centrifuged to yield a slurry containing azodicarbonamide. The slurry is washed to remove impurities and dried to obtain the azodicarbonamide powder. This is then micronized to a fine powder before packaging.
