Red List Additive

Azodicarbonamide (ADA) — Red List

Azodicarbonamide is a dough conditioner used to improve texture. It is banned in the EU and UK but permitted in the US with limits.

Regulatory snapshot

United States

Allowed Permitted at levels up to 45 ppm in flour. Known colloquially as the "yoga mat chemical."

European Union

Banned Banned for use in food and as a blowing agent in food contact plastics.

United Kingdom

Banned Aligned with the EU ban on food use.

Canada

Allowed Permitted as a flour bleaching and maturing agent.

Japan

Allowed Permitted with specific use level restrictions.

Statuses summarized from public regulatory documents as referenced in the PRūF report. Verify with official regulators for updates.

Concerns include breakdown products like semicarbazide formed during baking.
EU decisions are based on precautionary safety standards and the lack of necessity for the additive.
US permits ADA at specific levels in flour, citing a long history of use without proven harm.

PRūF Red Team Validation report — Internal synthesis provided by PRūF Labs (2025).

Summaries are educational and may be updated as regulations change.