Learn Glossary bleaching agent

Hydrogen Peroxide

Level 3ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Hydrogen Peroxide is a bleaching agent — Bleaching, oxidizing additive; preservative and germ killer in milk and cheese

What it does

Bleaching, oxidizing additive; preservative and germ killer in milk and cheese

Where you'll see it

Milk, cheese (cheddar, swiss), tripe, eggs before drying

What the research says

Japanese notified WHO in 1980 it was suspect as cancer-causing additive. Lab rats: thickening of duodenum lining at 65 weeks though no cancer occurred. Strong oxidizer, undiluted can burn skin/mucous membranes.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): the Japanese notified the WHO that hydrogen peroxide was suspect as a cancer-causing additive