9 Common U.S. Ingredients That Are Illegal in Other Countries

AZODICARBONAMIDE (ADC)

ADC is another flour improver and bleaching agent that has been used by commercial bakers since the 1960s to strengthen dough. ‘Concerns about ADC include two chemicals that form when the bread is baked,’ explains Amidor. ‘The first chemical is semicarbazide (SEM), which has been linked to cancer of the lungs and blood vessels in mice, but not in rats, and the second chemical is urethane, which has been linked to cancer.’

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has continued to evaluate the safe use of ADA in foods and enforces a maximum allowable level for use in flour, bread and rolls. However, ADC is banned in Europe, Australia, and Singapore.