The use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food and drinks has officially been banned in the United States, as announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month. BVO is a food additive that was once widely used in popular drinks like Mountain Dew and Powerade to prevent citrus flavorings from separating and floating to the top of the beverage. However, due to potential health risks associated with BVO, including harm to the thyroid, liver, and heart, public pressure led brands such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo to start removing it from their products.
Studies in rodents linked BVO with adverse effects on the thyroid, a vital hormone gland that plays a major role in human metabolism, growth, and development. Additionally, research has linked BVO to neurological and reproductive issues, as well as headaches, skin irritation, fatigue, and loss of muscle coordination and memory. The Environmental Working Group, a consumer health advocacy nonprofit, has also raised concerns about the health hazards of BVO.
BVO has been banned from drinks sold in Europe and Japan for years, and last October, California passed a law banning the ingredient, along with three other harmful chemicals, from food sold and produced in the state. The FDA’s decision to revoke the regulation allowing the use of BVO in food and drinks came after studies conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found potential adverse health effects in humans.
Despite the new rule, few beverages in the U.S. currently contain BVO. It is most commonly found in citrus-flavored drinks. PepsiCo announced the removal of BVO from Gatorade products in 2013, followed by Coca-Cola removing BVO from all products, including Powerade and Fanta, in 2014. However, some beverages that still contain BVO in the U.S. include Sun Drop and Orangette orange soda, sold at Walmart.
Companies have until one year after the effective date of the FDA’s rule to reformulate, relabel, and deplete their inventory of BVO-containing products before enforcement begins. The USDA Global Branded Food Products Database lists some 600 products that may still contain BVO, but there is uncertainty about the accuracy of these listings as manufacturers are responsible for updating the entries for their products.
In conclusion, the ban on BVO in food and drinks in the U.S. marks a significant step towards protecting consumer health and safety. Consumers are advised to check ingredient labels to ensure that beverages do not contain BVO. The removal of this potentially harmful additive from products reflects a growing awareness and concern for the impact of food additives on human health.