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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant change: brominated vegetable oil (BVO) will no longer be permitted in food products. This decision marks a critical step in ensuring consumer safety.
BVO, a vegetable oil altered with bromine, has traditionally been used in small quantities to prevent citrus flavorings from separating in beverages, according to the FDA. Commonly found in various sodas, its primary role has been to keep the flavors uniformly mixed.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit dedicated to consumer health and safety, reports that numerous products—primarily sodas—contain BVO. The new FDA regulation, which takes effect on August 2, gives companies a year to reformulate and re-label their products, as well as to exhaust their current BVO supplies. Notably, BVO was removed from the FDA’s Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list in 1970, leading to its regulation over the years.
Due to previous restrictions, only a limited number of products still include BVO, the FDA notes. “Many beverage manufacturers have already replaced BVO with alternative ingredients,” said James Jones, the FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, in a 2023 statement.
Public concern over BVO has been growing. A 2012 Change.org petition, which garnered over 200,000 signatures, highlighted health risks associated with the additive. In response to market pressure, numerous companies have already phased it out of their products.
Adding to the regulatory momentum, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law in October 2023 banning the manufacture, sale, or distribution of foods containing BVO, along with other additives like red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, and propylparaben.
Health experts have pointed out several dangers linked to BVO. According to the EWG, it can accumulate in the body and has been associated with nervous system damage, headaches, skin and mucous membrane irritation, fatigue, and loss of muscle coordination and memory. A 2022 study cited by the FDA found that BVO derivatives accumulated in the heart, liver, and fat of test subjects.
Wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen commented on the FDA’s decision, noting that it reflects the agency’s commitment to reassessing evidence and addressing public health concerns as new data emerges. This action underscores the FDA’s role in adapting to evolving scientific knowledge and ensuring the safety of food products.
What is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)?
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) is a synthetic additive derived from vegetable oil that has been chemically bonded with bromine. It is primarily used in the beverage industry to keep citrus flavors evenly distributed throughout the drink, preventing them from separating and floating to the top. BVO is known for its ability to stabilize emulsions, which is why it has been used in various sodas and other flavored beverages.
Health Concerns
The use of BVO has been controversial due to potential health risks. BVO can accumulate in body tissues and has been linked to several health issues, including:
- Nervous system damage
- Headaches
- Skin and mucous membrane irritation
- Fatigue
- Loss of muscle coordination and memory
Drinks Containing Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
As of 2024, the FDA has proposed a ban on the use of BVO in food and beverages, which will take effect on August 2, 2024, with companies having one year to reformulate their products. BVO is commonly found in some fruit-flavored soft drinks and sports drinks. Some of the beverages that have historically contained BVO include:
- Mountain Dew
- Fresca
- Fanta Orange
- Squirt
- Sunkist Pineapple
- Gatorade Thirst Quencher Orange
- Powerade Strawberry Lemonade
- Sun Drop
- Tropicana Twister Orange
- Certain store-brand citrus sodas
Many major beverage companies, like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, have already taken steps to remove BVO from their products due to health concerns and consumer pressure. Therefore, it’s essential to check the ingredient lists on beverage labels to ensure they do not contain BVO if you wish to avoid it
