Which one of the following statements is not correct?
Potassium bromate is a neurotoxin
Understanding Potassium Bromate and Food Additives
The question asks us to identify the statement that is not correct regarding potassium bromate, a substance that has been used as a food additive, particularly in bread making. Let's examine each statement based on known information and regulatory actions.
We need to find the statement that is factually incorrect among the given options.
Analyzing Each Statement on Potassium Bromate
-
Statement 1: Centre for Science and Environment in a recent study found that a number of commonly available brands of pre-packaged bread tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate.
This statement refers to a specific study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Such studies often investigate the presence of chemicals in food products. Reports from organizations like CSE regarding the detection of substances like potassium bromate in bread have indeed been publicized in the past, leading to public and regulatory attention.
Based on widely reported events, this statement is likely correct in reflecting the findings of such a study.
-
Statement 2: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India recommended to the Health Ministry to remove potassium bromate from the list of permissible food additives.
Following concerns raised by studies and health risks associated with potassium bromate, food safety regulatory bodies, such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), review the list of permissible food additives. Recommendations are often made based on scientific evidence and safety assessments. FSSAI did recommend banning potassium bromate.
This statement aligns with the regulatory actions taken in India regarding potassium bromate.
-
Statement 3: The Union Government banned the use of potassium bromate as a food additive on the basis of the above recommendation.
Based on the recommendations from its scientific panels and bodies like FSSAI regarding the health risks of potassium bromate (it is classified as a possible human carcinogen), the government took action to ban its use as a food additive.
This statement is historically accurate and reflects the regulatory outcome following the safety concerns and recommendations.
-
Statement 4: Potassium bromate is a neurotoxin.
Potassium bromate is an oxidizing agent and has been linked to various health risks. It is known to be toxic to the kidneys (renal toxin) and inner ear (causing hearing loss, classified as an ototoxin). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans). While high levels of toxicity can affect multiple body systems, its primary classification relates to its carcinogenic potential, renal toxicity, and ototoxicity, not typically as a direct neurotoxin affecting the brain or nervous system.
Considering its established toxicological profile, describing potassium bromate primarily or solely as a "neurotoxin" is not standard scientific classification. Its effects are more prominently associated with other organs.
Conclusion on the Incorrect Statement
Statements 1, 2, and 3 accurately reflect the findings of studies and the subsequent regulatory actions taken in India regarding potassium bromate in bread. Statement 4 claims potassium bromate is a neurotoxin. While toxic substances can have broad effects, potassium bromate is predominantly recognized for its carcinogenic, renal toxic, and ototoxic properties, rather than being classified as a neurotoxin.
Therefore, the statement that is not correct is that potassium bromate is a neurotoxin.
| Statement | Assessment | Correctness |
|---|---|---|
| CSE study found potassium bromate/iodate in bread. | Reflects findings of publicized studies. | Correct |
| FSSAI recommended removing potassium bromate. | Aligns with regulatory actions. | Correct |
| Govt. banned potassium bromate based on recommendation. | Accurate regulatory outcome. | Correct |
| Potassium bromate is a neurotoxin. | Primary toxicity is renal, ototoxic, carcinogenic, not typically neurotoxic. | Incorrect |
Revision Table: Key Facts about Potassium Bromate
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Use in Food | Flour improver (oxidizing agent) in bread making. |
| Health Classification (IARC) | Group 2B - Possibly carcinogenic to humans. |
| Known Toxicities | Renal toxin (damages kidneys), Ototoxin (causes hearing loss). Not primarily classified as a neurotoxin. |
| Regulatory Status in India | Banned for use as a food additive following recommendations from FSSAI based on health risks. |
Additional Information on Food Additives and Safety
Food additives are substances added to food to maintain or improve its safety, freshness, taste, texture, or appearance. Regulatory bodies like FSSAI in India or the FDA in the US evaluate the safety of these additives before permitting their use. The evaluation process considers scientific studies on potential health effects.
- Permissible Limits: Even for approved additives, there are strict limits on how much can be used in food.
- Ongoing Review: The safety of food additives is subject to ongoing review as new scientific information becomes available. This is why substances like potassium bromate, once permitted, can be banned later if risks are found or reassessed.
- CSE Studies: Organizations like the Centre for Science and Environment play a role in independent testing and bringing potential issues with food products to public and regulatory attention.
- Potassium Iodate: Often mentioned alongside potassium bromate, potassium iodate is also used as a flour improver. While it might pose different risks or have different regulatory statuses in various countries, its use is also scrutinized.
Understanding the role of regulatory bodies and the classification of toxic substances is crucial in evaluating statements about food safety and additives like potassium bromate.
Similar Questions
Which one of the following planets was explored by Cassini Mission launched by NASA, which ended in September 2017?
Which one of the following statements about reusable space vehicle of ISRO is not correct?
Which of the following statements about India’s scientific and research mission in Antarctica is/are correct?
1. The first scientific base station in Antarctica was Dakshin Gangotri.
2. Dakshin Gangotri is now being used as a supply base and transit camp.
3. The Maitri station is manned throughout the year for scientific activities.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:Consider the following statements about James Webb Space Telescope (JWST):
1. It is the largest observatory ever launched into space.
2. It has been developed by NASA in partnership with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which one of the following statements is true for James Webb Space Telescope launched in December 2021?
Photo 51 refers to an image of
Which of the following statements about Bit coin is/are correct?
1. It is a decentralized virtual currency.
2. It is generated through complex computer software systems.
3. The Reserve Bank of India recognized it as a legal tender in January 2016.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:Which one of the following is the first commercial space station?
To study which one of the following was a spacecraft launched that would be farthest from the Sun and would run exclusively on solar power?
India's maiden human space mission will be launched in 2023. What is its name?
Important Questions from Science and Technology
Which of the following is NOT a global positioning system ?
What technology is bitcoin built on?
Which of the following two statements is / are correct?
a. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) generates thin section images of any part of the human body.
b. CT Scan is superior to X-rays and MRI.
The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of
With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements :
1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
