On Sunday, the Minister of Economy and Trade of the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU), Mohamed Al-Hawaij, issued Resolution No. 258 of 2021 regarding banning the import of the substance potassium bromate and preventing its use or distribution.
In its first article, the resolution stipulated a ban on the import of potassium bromate and its symbol in the Harmonized System is (9021-29-28), which is listed as a chemical compound.
In the second article, the resolution also stipulated banning the use of potassium bromate by the owners of bakeries, factories of sweets and pastries in all its forms and classifications in the production and manufacturing of baked goods and pastries. It is strictly forbidden for mill owners to add it to the production of flour, and it is strictly forbidden to market it in any form.
In its third article, the resolution directed the police authorities, judicial officers and members of the municipal guard to arrest violators of the provisions of the resolution, withdraw their licenses, confiscate the substance and refer them to the competent authorities.
It is noteworthy that potassium bromate is a chemical compound with the formula KBrO3, which is a strong oxidizing substance and takes the form of white crystals or powder. Potassium bromate is used as a bread improver and for other purposes such as water sterilization and cosmetics. However after it became clear that there were health complications, its use stopped in some countries, and with bakeries being prohibited from using it.