The Department of Public Health (DVG) received a complaint that a certain importer in Aruba is using a prohibited product—in this case, flour—containing a chemical additive called Potassium Bromate.
As soon as the information reached DVG, the hygiene inspection service put together a team and visited various flour importers and bakeries across Aruba to check for this product. Indeed, at one of them, it was discovered that the bakery uses a banned brand of flour, with its instructions clearly stating that the flour product contains Potassium Bromate.
About Potassium Bromate
Potassium Bromate is an additive put into flour so that products like bread and donuts made from flour perform better. It helps the flour rise better and makes it softer. However, several international organizations have advised against using Potassium Bromate because various studies have found that it causes cancer.
Situation in Aruba and Abroad
• Europe: It is already prohibited in European countries.
• America: Certain cities prohibit it, while others do not. In Aruba’s case, our law under Article 8 prohibits this type of product.
Control and Surveillance
Double-checking will also ensure the product is monitored at the border so that it is not imported. Whenever a person of concern is flagged, DVG will take action.
It is very important for the community to be an extra set of eyes for DVG to monitor; if they have complaints or see anything irregular, they can inform DVG or go to the website dvg.aw, which features an automated system to submit complaints. Additionally, people can always call 522-4200, DVG’s phone number, to file a complaint so that inspections can be carried out. All complaints entering DVG are taken seriously.
Normally, DVG already regularly inspects supermarkets and various food-related establishments, but there are many laws that need to be enforced, which is why the community’s extra vigilance is important for DVG to act more swiftly.
