Washington D.C. – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action to revoke the authorization of a stabilizer used in fruity and citrus-flavored food and beverages known as brominated vegetable oil (BVO), citing safety concerns. The decision comes after studies conducted in partnership with the National Institutes of Health showed the potential for adverse health effects in humans due to the use of BVO.
Brominated vegetable oil is a modified vegetable oil containing bromine, a chemical element found in products like swimming pool disinfectants and fire retardants. It has been used in some sports drinks and sodas in the United States, with popular brands like Sun Drop citrus soda still containing BVO, as well as several store-brand citrus-flavored sodas.
Major beverage companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have already taken steps to remove BVO from their products in recent years. The ban on BVO is set to take effect on August 2, giving companies a year to reformulate, relabel, and deplete their inventory of BVO-containing products before enforcement begins.
California became the first state to ban BVO in food, along with three other food additives, joining several countries like the European Union, India, and the United Kingdom that have also prohibited its use. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, BVO can leave harmful residues in the body and lead to toxicity, causing damage to the central nervous system and other health issues.
In response to the FDA’s decision, the Environmental Working Group applauded the move as a victory for public health. The nonprofit organization urged consumers to be vigilant about reading ingredient labels to avoid BVO, recommending fresh whole foods and water as alternatives to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
As the FDA continues to prioritize the safety of food ingredients, the ban on BVO reflects a commitment to reassessing food additives based on new data and ensuring a focus on food safety for consumers. This decision marks a significant milestone in addressing concerns about the use of BVO in the food industry.