Why is azoformamide (E927a) banned in some countries and what is it used for?

11. 01. 2023

Previously, bread was not good for one or two days after baking, and mold started to appear on it on the third or fourth day. Today, however, you can buy bread that stays soft and fresh for up to two weeks.

Behind this miracle lies azoformamide, which plays two important roles in bread production: it works here as a bleaching agent (to make the bread whiter) and improves the strength of the flour. This improves the ability of the dough to retain gases and the bread is then more elastic.

Azoformamide is an odorless orange powder.

Foods with this food additive can be safely consumed by people with gluten allergies and vegans.

Main important points about E927a – Azoformamide:
It is a flour improver.
It is not allowed in the Czech Republic.
We do not recommend.

Production of E927a

Azoformamide is obtained synthetically from carbamide.

What is azoformamide used for?

In the food industry, azoformamide works as a flour improver. Among other things, it is also used as a foaming agent in plastics, photography and electronics.

Examples of foods and drinks that sometimes contain E927a:

  • muffins
  • tortillas
  • frozen pizzas
  • flour

Is E927a healthy?

According to research, this chemical can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, skin irritation and dermatitis. Azoformamide is also considered a carcinogen because it has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals.

In addition, researchers have observed cellular mutations, impaired hormonal function, neurological disorders, and immune deficiency as a result of injecting azoformamide into experimental animals. however, these risks are only a consequence of exposure to large amounts of the chemical. Health experts say the level of risk is uncertain, so exposure levels should be reduced as much as possible.

Use in the EU vs. USA vs. world

While azodicarbonamide is banned from food use as a food additive in the EU and Australia, it continues to be used in some countries for ripening, bleaching of cereal flours and as a dough additive. Some countries have banned it because it can cause asthma and other allergic reactions.

In Singapore, even the use of E927a in food products can lead to a long prison sentence.

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