Florida AG Expands Probe into Potassium Bromate Use in Food Distribution
Tallahassee, Fla. – On Oct. 16, 2026, Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a civil investigative subpoena to Performance Food Group, Inc., widening his office’s inquiry into the food additive potassium bromate.
The subpoena asks the company to turn over records from its Miami and Orlando distribution centers showing which products containing bromated flour were sold, who bought them, and what disclosures were made.
What Is Potassium Bromate?
Potassium bromate is a chemical used to strengthen dough and increase loaf volume. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as possibly carcinogenic to humans. While banned in the European Union, Canada, China, India, Brazil and many other nations, the United States still permits limited use.
- 1Performance Food Group gathers required records
- 2Records submitted to the AG’s Consumer Protection Division by Nov. 6, 2026
- 3Attorney General reviews data to determine if disclosures were adequate
- 4Potential further action if violations are found
Source: Florida Attorney General
Why the Investigation?
Uthmeier’s office is tracking the additive from the flour bag to the kitchen. Performance Food Group is a major buyer of bromated flour, and the AG wants to know if Floridians were informed that the products they purchased contain a chemical many countries have banned.
What the Subpoena Requires
The company must produce records on specific brands—Pillsbury Potentate High Gluten Flour, Pillsbury Best Bakers Patent Flour, Gold Medal All Aces Bakery Flour, and Gold Medal Superlative Bakers Flour—by Nov. 6, 2026. Records can be delivered to the Consumer Protection Division in Tampa or sent electronically.
What This Means for Consumers
At this stage, the subpoena does not allege a legal violation. It is a fact‑finding step to see how bromated flour moved through Florida’s foodservice market and whether buyers received proper warnings. If you purchase baked goods from restaurants or caterers that source flour through Performance Food Group, you may want to ask about the type of flour used. Keep any receipts or product information in case further disclosures are required.
Anyone who believes they were misled about the presence of potassium bromate in food products may consider consulting an attorney to discuss potential consumer‑protection claims.
What this means: our conclusions
- What to watchIncreased Scrutiny of Food Additives
The subpoena signals stronger oversight of potentially harmful food chemicals, which could lead to tighter labeling rules.
- RiskPotential Impact on Foodservice Buyers
If records show inadequate disclosures, restaurants and caterers may face consumer‑protection claims.
- Good newsOpportunity for Safer Alternatives
The focus on bromate may encourage distributors to switch to approved dough conditioners like ascorbic acid.
- What to doDeadline to Monitor
Affected businesses must submit records by Nov. 6, 2026, so keep an eye on any follow‑up filings.
- What to doLegal Counsel May Be Needed
Consumers who suspect they were misled should consider speaking with an attorney about possible claims.
This article is general information based on Florida Attorney General and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 16, 2026.
Source: Florida Attorney General
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