Council call for action against bakeries selling burnt bread
The Central Municipal Council (CMC) has called on the authorities to take action against bakeries selling burnt bread, considering its potential health hazards.
The civic body noted that black spots due to overheating had been noticed in breads sold by some bakeries and this matter should be taken seriously.
The CMC discussed the issue yesterday in its first meeting after the summer break. A report prepared by the services and public facilities committee drew attention to the health risks of eating burnt bread and burnt toast. The issue was first raised by Sheikha Al Jefairi, the CMC member representing the Old Airport area.
Acrylamide, a chemical found in burnt bread, can cause serious health problems in the long run, said the report, citing remarks made earlier by the central laboratory at the Supreme Council of Health (SCH).
Acrylamide is produced when sugars and certain amino acids — the building blocks of proteins — are heated together during the cooking process.
This potentially harmful chemical is mainly found in starchy foods such as potatoes and baked food, including bread and toast. The level of acrylamide in these foods increases with higher cooking temperatures and longer cooking times.
The CMC called on the authorities to take samples of bread from the market for laboratory tests and check their health risks.
It called on the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to make it mandatory for bakeries to comply with ministerial decision No. 2 of 1980 on the weight and other specifications of bread and punish outlets violating the rules.
It also recommended implementing the GCC specifications (QS 23/2007) on bread, which require it to be free from overbaking and black spots.
The CMC also urged upgrading the central food laboratory with advanced equipment to help it cope with new developments in the country.
It recommended establishing a joint committee with representatives from the SCH, the Qatar Authority for Standardisation and Specifications, and the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning to conduct regular meetings to address issues related to food.
