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, brands such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have been phasing out its use in their products.
Studies have linked BVO to various health hazards, including potential harm to the thyroid, liver, and heart. The FDA concluded that BVO in food is no longer safe after research in rodents showed a connection between the ingredient and thyroid damage. Additionally, BVO has been associated with 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 highlighted these concerns.
BVO has been banned from drinks sold in Europe and Japan for years, and California passed a law last October banning the ingredient, along with three other harmful chemicals, from food sold and produced in the state. The FDA’s decision to revoke the authorization for U.S. food and beverage manufacturers to use BVO came after collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the discovery of 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 removed BVO from Gatorade products in 2013, and Coca-Cola followed suit in 2014 by removing BVO from all products, including Powerade and Fanta. However, some beverages that still contain BVO in the U.S. include Sun Drop and Orangette orange soda, according to their ingredient lists.
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. It is recommended for consumers to check the ingredient label if they are unsure whether a beverage contains BVO. The FDA’s decision to ban BVO marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety of food and drinks consumed by the public.