Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has opened an investigation into General Mills over its use of potassium bromate, a dough-strengthening additive that is permitted in the U.S. but banned in many other countries. The investigation does not allege that General Mills has broken the law or that its products cause cancer. Instead, state officials are seeking more information about the company’s use of the ingredient and whether consumers are being adequately informed.
General Mills Being Investigated Over Use Of Potassium Bromate
The investigation centers on potassium bromate, a chemical additive used to strengthen dough and improve the texture and rise of baked goods. While the ingredient remains approved for limited use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it has been banned in the European Union, Canada, Brazil, and several other countries because of concerns raised by animal studies. California also passed legislation banning potassium bromate in foods beginning in 2027.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on July 13 that his office had issued subpoenas to General Mills Inc. and General Mills Operations LLC. under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
“Nobody is getting sued today, yet,” Uthmeier said during a press conference at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. “We want to learn more information.”
The subpoenas seek records related to General Mills’ use of potassium bromate in products sold in Florida.
What Is Potassium Bromate?
Potassium bromate is a flour additive that helps strengthen dough, allowing bread and baked goods to rise higher and develop a lighter texture.
The ingredient has long been the subject of scientific debate because of findings from laboratory animal studies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classifies potassium bromate as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) based primarily on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals, while noting that evidence in humans remains inadequate. The classification reflects potential hazard—not confirmed risk from normal dietary exposure. The IARC monograph can be found here.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, potassium bromate is still permitted in certain baked products when used according to federal regulations, although the agency has encouraged manufacturers to voluntarily stop using it over the years.
Why Are Some Health Experts Concerned?
Much of the concern surrounding potassium bromate comes from long-term animal research.
Studies published in the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed database found that animals exposed to potassium bromate developed increased rates of kidney, thyroid, and other tumors. Researchers also found evidence that the chemical may cause oxidative stress and DNA damage, mechanisms that are associated with cancer development. These findings can be found here.
During the press conference, Uthmeier referenced those concerns.
“There’s been sufficient evidence of ties to kidney, thyroid, and abdominal cancer,” he said. “It is genotoxic, causing oxidative stress. It’s been linked to DNA damage and other cellular harms.”
However, scientists note that these findings come largely from animal studies, and additional research is needed to fully understand whether typical dietary exposure poses the same risks to people.
How Does This Relate to Glyphosate?
The announcement also renewed attention on previous questions surrounding glyphosate, a herbicide that has been detected in trace amounts in some oat-based foods, including products made by General Mills.
The IARC classifies glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in experimental animals. However, regulatory agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and FDA have concluded that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a cancer risk at the exposure levels typically found in food when used according to approved directions.
General Mills has previously stated that trace pesticide residues are commonly found across the food supply and that its products comply with all applicable FDA and EPA safety standards. The company has also said it works closely with farmers to reduce pesticide use whenever possible.
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What Happens Next?
At this stage, the investigation remains in its early phases. The subpoenas require General Mills to provide information about its use of potassium bromate in products sold in Florida.
No lawsuit has been filed, and no findings of wrongdoing have been made. For consumers, the investigation highlights the ongoing differences between countries regarding food additive regulations.
While potassium bromate remains legal in the United States under FDA regulations, its continued use has prompted renewed debate among scientists, regulators, and public health officials over whether the ingredient should remain in the food supply.
