Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into General Mills over products containing potassium bromate, a flour additive that has raised health concerns in the United States and led to restrictions in several countries.
Uthmeier’s office issued a civil subpoena to General Mills Inc. and General Mills Operations LLC as part of an investigation under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, seeking information about the ingredient’s use, product disclosures, safety research, and distribution throughout the state.
“This investigation is about protecting Florida families and providing transparency to our consumers,” Uthmeier said. “Floridians have a right to know what is in the food they buy and feed their children.”
The attorney general said the investigation will examine the supply chain for products containing potassium bromate, including what information was provided to purchasers and what research exists regarding the ingredient’s potential health effects.
Potassium bromate is used as a flour improver and dough conditioner in some commercial bakery flours.
The ingredient has drawn scrutiny from international health authorities, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which lists it as a possible human carcinogen.
The compound has been banned as a food additive in several countries, including members of the European Union, Canada, China, and India, as well as other nations that have restricted its use over health concerns.
The subpoena seeks records identifying General Mills products containing potassium bromate that were sold to Florida consumers and businesses.
The documents requested include information about products such as Pillsbury Potentate High Gluten Flour, Pillsbury Best Bakers Patent Flour, Gold Medal All Aces Bakery Flour, and Gold Medal Superlative Bakers Flour sold in 50-pound bulk sacks.
Investigators are also seeking records identifying the company’s largest Florida purchasers of those products from 2023 through 2026.
The investigation also includes a review of whether products containing potassium bromate were sold to Florida schools serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
The attorney general’s office has not identified any specific school district or school as having purchased the products, saying the subpoena is intended to determine whether such sales occurred.
Officials said the request also seeks information about disclosures provided to purchasers and downstream users, as well as General Mills’ research regarding the ingredient’s safety, Florida Daily reported.
Uthmeier said the investigation is focused on consumer protection and transparency rather than an immediate lawsuit.
“Nobody is getting sued today. Yet,” he said during a news conference, explaining that the state is seeking additional information about how products containing potassium bromate are marketed and sold, according to Florida’s Voice.
The issuance of a civil subpoena does not establish that General Mills violated Florida law, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits certain regulated uses of potassium bromate in food production.
The FDA has stated that when proper baking practices are followed, potassium bromate is typically converted into potassium bromide, a harmless compound.
However, concerns remain among some officials and researchers about potential exposure if the conversion process is incomplete.
The American Bakers Association announced in 2026 that the commercial baking industry planned to phase out potassium bromate use nationwide by the end of the year, according to WFLA.
State officials said the investigation is part of an effort to examine transparency within Florida’s food supply chain and determine whether additional action is needed.
State Rep. Meg Weinberger (R-West Palm Beach) said she plans to pursue legislation addressing potentially concerning food ingredients, while Uthmeier said the state’s priority is protecting families and children.
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