Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into General Mills over the use of potassium bromate, a flour additive present in some of the company's products. The investigation, announced on July 13, 2026, falls under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and seeks extensive information from General Mills Inc. and General Mills Operations LLC regarding the ingredient's use, safety disclosures, and distribution within Florida.
"Floridians have a right to know what is in the food they buy and feed their children." — James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General
Potassium bromate functions as a flour improver and dough conditioner in certain commercial bakery flours. However, its use has become a subject of international scrutiny, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifying it as a possible human carcinogen. Consequently, the compound has been banned as a food additive in numerous countries, including all members of the European Union, Canada, China, and India, among others that have enacted restrictions due to health concerns.
Attorney General Uthmeier's office issued a civil subpoena to General Mills, demanding records that identify products containing potassium bromate sold to Florida consumers and businesses. Specific products mentioned in the subpoena include bulk flour sacks such as Pillsbury Potentate High Gluten Flour, Pillsbury Best Bakers Patent Flour, Gold Medal All Aces Bakery Flour, and Gold Medal Superlative Bakers Flour, typically sold in 50-pound quantities. The subpoena also requests information on the company's largest Florida purchasers of these products from 2023 through 2026.
A key focus of the investigation is to determine whether products containing potassium bromate were sold to Florida schools serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. While no specific school district or school has been identified as a purchaser, the subpoena aims to uncover if such sales occurred. Investigators are also seeking details on disclosures provided to purchasers and downstream users, as well as any research General Mills has conducted regarding the ingredient's safety.
Uthmeier emphasized that the investigation is primarily focused on consumer protection and transparency, rather than an immediate lawsuit. "This investigation is about protecting Florida families and providing transparency to our consumers," Uthmeier stated during a news conference. "Floridians have a right to know what is in the food they buy and feed their children." He added, "Nobody is getting sued today. Yet," indicating that the state is currently gathering information on how these products are marketed and sold.
The issuance of a civil subpoena does not imply that General Mills has violated Florida law, and the investigation remains ongoing. While many international bodies have restricted potassium bromate, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States permits its use in food production under certain regulated conditions. The FDA maintains that when proper baking practices are followed, potassium bromate is typically converted into potassium bromide, which is considered a harmless compound. However, some officials and researchers continue to express concerns about potential exposure if this conversion process is incomplete.
In a broader industry development, the American Bakers Association reportedly 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. This industry-wide initiative suggests a growing recognition of the concerns surrounding the additive.
Florida state officials have indicated that this investigation is part of a larger effort to enhance transparency within the state's food supply chain and ascertain whether further regulatory actions are necessary. State Representative Meg Weinberger (R-West Palm Beach) has also expressed intentions to pursue legislation specifically addressing potentially concerning food ingredients. Attorney General Uthmeier reiterated the state's commitment to protecting families and children through this proactive measure.
