ScanWise
E922 · Flour treatment agents

Potassium persulfate

Moderate risk

Persulfate salts, recognised skin and respiratory sensitisers.

Category
Flour treatment agents
Vegan
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes

What it is

An obscure or unapproved synthetic wax, bleach, or glazing agent, historically considered for surface treatment or dough conditioning.

How it is used in food

Historically used to extend shelf life or improve texture before modern safety evaluations.

Commonly found in
  • None (Banned)

Health and safety

Well-documented causes of contact dermatitis and occupational asthma in people repeatedly exposed to them.

Evaluated by food safety authorities and determined to be unsafe for general food use.

Regulatory status

RegionStatusNotes
Australia & New Zealand
FSANZ
Not approved Not approved for general food use or historically banned due to safety concerns.
European Union
EFSA / European Commission
Not approved Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II).
United States
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
Not approved Not approved for general food use or historically banned due to safety concerns.

Identification on labels

E-number
E922

Worth knowing

This substance is part of a large list of chemicals that were either evaluated and rejected, or historically used before modern safety regulations existed.

Conclusion

A highly toxic, banned bleaching agent.

References

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Entry last reviewed 2026-08-05.

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