Florida Attorney General announced a civil subpoena into General Mills, Inc. and General Mills Operations, LLC, related to its supply chain of products containing potassium bromate sold in Florida while speaking at a press conference in Orlando this week.
Potassium bromate is used as a flour improver and dough conditioner in various bakery flours and labeled as “possibly carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The additive is banned in several countries, including Canada, China, India, Brazil, Argentina, South Korea, Peru, and the European Union.
The subpoena was filed under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
“This investigation is about protecting Florida families and providing transparency to our consumers,” Uthmeier said in a release. “Floridians have a right to know what is in the food they buy and feed their children. We are investigating the supply chain for the presence of potassium bromate in products sold across our state, including any disclosures made to purchasers and research on its potential health effects.”
General Mills is one of the largest food manufactures in the world with products ranging from cereals and baking mixes to ice cream products and pet food. Founded in 1928, General Mills is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to Attorney General Uthmeier, the subpoena seeks the following documents and information:
- All General Mills products containing potassium bromate sold to purchasers in Florida, including Pillsbury Potentate High Gluten Flour, Pillsbury Best Bakers Patent Flour, Gold Medal All Aces Bakery Flour, and Gold Medal Superlative Bakers Flour.
- Top purchasers in Florida from 2023 to 2026.
- Disclosers given to purchasers of bromate products and final goods made.
- Research on the use of potassium bromate in General Mills items and its possible adversary risk to humans.
- Sales to Florida Pre-K-12th grade schools.
"This action reinforces Attorney General Uthmeier’s commitment to enforcing Florida’s consumer protection laws, ensuring transparency in the food supply chain, and safeguarding public health from potential risks," the release added.
