Azodicarbonamide is a synthetic chemical used as a flour treatment agent and as a blowing agent in plastics. It is of relatively low toxicity when exposed orally to animals, but can induce asthma in humans exposed through inhalation or skin contact. While no health effects have been observed from dietary exposure, its use is regulated in many places with a maximum level of 45 mg/kg flour. It is approved as a food additive in the Codex Alimentarius but its use is restricted or banned in some countries and regions.

1. 1
Azodicarbonamide in Foods
Trade Consultation Forum
28.2.2014

2. 2
Application of azodicarbonamide
 A synthetic chemical
 Used as a flour treatment agent (INS 927a)
 May strengthen and enhance elasticity of the
dough
 Used as a blowing agent in the rubber and
plastics industries
 Found in foamed plastic sealing gaskets for
metal lids on glass jars

3. 3
Health effects of azodicarbonamide
 Azodicarbonamide is of relatively low acute
toxicity to animals repeatedly exposed by
the oral route.
 No tumorigenic effects were observed in
studies in which animals were treated with
the breakdown product biurea.
 It is concluded that the mutagenic
properties displayed by azodicarbonamide in
bacterial systems will unlikely be expressed
in vivo.

4. Health effects of azodicarbonamide
 Evidence that azodicarbonamide can induce
asthma in humans has been found from bronchial
challenge studies with symptomatic individuals
and from health evaluations of employees at
workplaces where azodicarbonamide was
manufactured or used.
 Indications that azodicarbonamide may induce
skin sensitization via the dermal route.
 Nevertheless, such health effects have not been
observed via dietary exposure (e.g. consumption
of bread with azodicarbonamide).
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5. 5
Health-based guidance value
 JECFA has not established an ADI for
azodicarbonamide.
 An acceptable level of treatment has been
allocated for azodicarbonamide at 0-45
mg/kg flour.
 WHO (1999) considered that it was not
possible to reliably quantify the risk of
developing occupational asthma.

6. 6
Regulation of azodicarbonamide in foods
Can be used
as food additive
Not on the list
of food additive
Codex
• GSFA: 45 mg/kg flour
European Union
USA Australia & NZ
Canada Singapore
Mainland China
Korea

7. 7
Regulation of azodicarbonamide in foods
 In Hong Kong, azodicarbonamide can be
used in foods provided that it is used
under Good Manufacturing Practice.
 Shall include in the ingredient list the
specific name or identification number and
functional class if azodicarbonamide
constitutes an ingredient of a prepackaged
food.

8. Thank you
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