Following the controversy on the presence of cancer-causing additives in bread, many Chennaiites are reconsidering their choice of loaves, and moving to organic and farmfresh alternatives.
Neighbourhood shops are also feeling the pinch as the issue has taken national limelight
Chennai: Home bakers in the city have said that they have witnessed a significant rise in demand for home-made, chemical free breads. Nandini Sivakumar runs Lotsa Lavender, a citybased supplier of organic, whole-wheat, additive-free bread, cookies and snacks to restaurants and stores. She says, “People in Chennai have always been a health-conscious lot and are curious about organic produce. When it comes to matters of health, many people don’t mind spending the extra buck to stay on the healthy side.”
She says that while that she has received quite a few inquiries concerning her homemade breads in the last one week, the premium pricing on home-made breads, turns out to be a hurdle for many.
After the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recommended a ban on potassium bromate, a food additive used in bread, that is said to cause cancer, the All India Bread Manufacturers Association (AIBMA) announced that bread manufacturers will do away with the substance, which is banned in many countries but India.
Neighbourhood shops are also feeling the pinch as the issue has taken national limelight. Selvaganesh, a manager with a supermarket in Nungambakkam, says, “There certainly has been a dip in demand for bread post the controversy. If the govt directs us to withdraw the old stocks, we are more than willing to do so. As bread is a fast moving product, we will incur loses if they go off the shelves.”
Anju Priya, a mother and a communications professional says, “Being a working mother, I don’t have time cook an elaborate meal. I usually rely on bread to pack sandwich. After the news broke, instead of the bread I get from the super market, I have started purchasing from the organic store.”
There are also others who have set about baking their own bread. Lisa Isaac who runs Artisans Institute of Baking, says, “Bread can be made without any chemicals. We have people from all walks of life coming to us to learn how to bake. Their aim is to adopt a healthy lifestyle and be aware of what they really consume.”
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