Azodicarbonamide
Azodicarbonamide is a synthetic chemical that is principally used as a blowing agent in the production of foamed plastics, such as yoga mats. As a food additive, it is used as a "flour bleaching agent and dough conditioner".
The European Union has labelled Azodicarbonamide as harmful and has banned its use. It is also banned in the UK and Australia. In Singapore, use of this synthetic chemical can bring a fine of $450,000 and 15 years in jail.
Make no mistake, Azodicarbonamide is a known toxic chemical yet the FDA has given it the GRAS status - 'generally recognized as safe'. What this means is that food companies in the US continue to use this toxin in products that are even labelled as 'Healthy' and 'Natural'.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) publication on Azodicarbonamide, they determined that although Azodicarbonamide is a known 'Asthmagen', since the amount required to promote an asthmatic attack is unknown and the level of risk uncertain, occupational 'exposure risks should be reduced as much as possible.'
According to another study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, Azodicarbonamide is a carcinogenic that is known to cause tumors.
According to a Seattle organization promoting healthy food, Azodicarbonamide is one of the top ten food additives banned in most countries except the US.
Azodicarbonamide also feeds candida, causing an overgrowth of this bad bacteria.