Dough: All-purpose Enriched Flour Bleached
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What it is
All-purpose enriched flour bleached is made from wheat that has been milled into flour. It is 'enriched' with added vitamins and iron, and 'bleached' using an aging process that whitens the flour and strengthens its gluten. This process can involve chemical agents like chlorine gas.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use bleached flour in baking because its chemical treatment strengthens gluten and allows it to absorb more liquid. This results in a finer texture and lighter color in baked goods. It is commonly found in breads, cakes, cookies, and pastries.
Health notes
All-purpose enriched flour bleached is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The enrichment process adds back nutrients lost during milling, such as iron and B vitamins like folic acid. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated flour and its components. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from consuming enriched flour at typical dietary levels.
Allergen info
Wheat is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. Flour made from wheat contains gluten, which is a protein that can cause adverse reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.