Florida has opened an investigation into General Mills over the use of potassium bromate in the US group’s flours.
As part of the probe under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Attorney General James Uthmeier has served the Cheerios owner and General Mills Operations with a civil subpoena.
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Florida is reviewing the supply chain for bromated flour products, disclosures made to buyers and whether any such products were sold to schools in the state, Uthmeier’s office said.
Uthmeier added: “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.”
Citing the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the office said potassium bromate is classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.
The additive is used as a flour improver and dough conditioner.
The office said the additive has been banned in multiple markets, including the EU, Canada, China and India.
It also cited prohibitions in Brazil, Argentina, South Korea and Peru, along with health concerns and animal-study evidence showing tumours.
Just Food approached General Mills for comment but the company had not replied at the time of publication.
California banned potassium bromate and Red Dye No. 3 in 2023. A nationwide ban on Red No. 3 is due to take effect in January.
The subpoena seeks records identifying all General Mills products containing potassium bromate sold to customers in Florida.
Products named include Pillsbury Potentate High Gluten Flour, Pillsbury Best Bakers Patent Flour and Gold Medal All Aces Bakery Flour. Gold Medal Superlative Bakers Flour in 50-pound sacks was also listed.
Investigators are also seeking records of disclosures to customers or downstream buyers, research on potassium bromate and human safety, and sales to Florida schools serving pre-K through 12th grade.
Last May, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a separate probe into General Mills over marketing its products as “healthy”.
In that case, the attorney general’s office issued a civil investigative demand to the company, which sells cereals including Trix and Lucky Charms.
