New York State Lawmakers Move to Ban Common Baking Additive

State lawmakers moved to ban a common additive used in commercial baking, a step that would require many pizzerias and bagel shops to revise long-standing recipes. The measure targets an ingredient that has been part of standard baking practices in the city for many years. Shops would need to identify alternative formulations if the prohibition takes effect.

A pizza historian who leads tours of notable slice shops said the change would affect the character of the product. "This is an earth-shaking event for New York pizza," the historian said. " The proposal remains under consideration by state officials.

No timeline for final action was provided in the announcement.