It's a suspected carcinogen that's banned for human consumption in Europe, China and India, but not in the United States.
In the U.S., the chemical compound is used by some food makers, usually in the form of fine crystals or powder, to strengthen dough.
"There is evidence that it may be toxic to human consumers, that it may even either initiate or promote the development of tumors," professor Erik Millstone, an expert on food additives at England's University of Sussex, told CBS News.
He said European regulators take a much more cautious approach to food safety than their U.S. counterparts.
"They probably just think, 'Well, if it's available or it's in the store, it's probably fine,'" he said.
Stacy McNamara is from upstate New York, but she has lived in London for a decade.
In a statement to CBS News, the FDA said that when used properly, potassium bromate converts into a harmless substance during food production. »
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