Potassium Bromate is a food additive that is used to strengthen dough and allow it to rise higher. This additive is banned in many countries around the world, including China, Canada, Brazil, and the European Union. Why? Because it has been linked to cancer. There have been many studies on animals that have shown the additive causes cancer. Potassium bromate, bromate, or bromated flour can be found in breads, flours and any of their by-products.