Subway will no longer make its breads with the chemical Azodicarbonamide.
The chemical is still used in yoga mats, and shoes CNN reported Thursday.
"We are already in the process of removing azodicarbonamide as part of our bread improvement efforts despite the fact that it is (a) USDA and FDA approved ingredient," Subway said in a statement CNN reported. "The complete conversion to have this product out of the bread will be done soon," Subway said in the statement, CNN reported.
Bakers have used the questionable chemical to stiffen the dough in their bread CNN reported.
The chemical has urethane known as a carcinogen or a substance that can lead to cancer. There is more urethane in the bread when the most azodicarbonamide allowed, or 0.0045 percent is used minimizing the chances humans will become harmed from consuming it CNN reported.
The chemical must meet this requirement through the amount of flour it contains when its used in bread.
"We urge the Food and Drug Administration to consider whether the Delaney amendment, which bars the use of food additives that cause cancer in humans or animals, requires the agency to bar its use," advocates from the Center For Science in the Public Interest told CNN.
"Past FDA sampling results have indicated appropriate low level use in products. As a dough conditioner it has a volume/texture effect on the finished loaf. It is a functional ingredient that improves the quality of bread and any substitutes are likely not to work as well as ADA (azodicarbonamide)," officials from the American Bakers Association told CNN.
Breads found in grocery stores, served in restaurants, and McDonald's, Starbucks, and Arby's currently still use the chemical in their products according to CNN. McDonald's still uses the ingredient in bread on its McRib sandwich for instance CNN reported.
