FDA Bans Soda Additive BVO Citing Safety Concerns

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it will prohibit the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food products starting August 2, due to emerging safety concerns.

Previously permitted as an additive to prevent citrus flavoring from separating in sodas, BVO has come under scrutiny following studies conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health. These studies indicated potential adverse health effects in humans, prompting the FDA to revoke its authorization for the additive.

According to the FDA, the decision to ban BVO was based on a comprehensive reassessment of scientific research, which highlighted its toxicity to the thyroid gland. The agency initially proposed the ban last fall after observing that most beverage manufacturers had already transitioned to alternative ingredients.

While BVO may appear on ingredient lists under names like "brominated vegetable oil" or more specifically as "brominated soybean oil," its usage in the U.S. beverage industry has significantly declined. Currently, only a handful of beverages in the market still contain the controversial additive.

Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner for the FDA’s Human Foods program, emphasized the agency’s commitment to continuously evaluating the safety of food additives. He stated, “The removal of the only authorized use of BVO from the food supply was based on a thorough review of current science and research findings that raised safety concerns.”

Jones further added, “We will continue to monitor emerging evidence on the chemicals we have targeted for reassessment, and in cases such as this, where the science no longer supports continued authorized use, we will take action to protect public health.”

Why This Matters: The FDA's ban on BVO reflects growing health concerns over food additives. Consumers and manufacturers alike will need to adjust to formulations without BVO. This move underscores the FDA's commitment to proactive public health measures.

Key Takeaways:

• FDA bans BVO in food starting August 2, citing safety concerns.
• Studies indicate potential adverse health effects of BVO on human health.
• Most U.S. beverage manufacturers have already switched to alternative ingredients.
• Brominated vegetable oil may still be found in a few beverages currently on the market.
• FDA vows to continue monitoring and reassessing the safety of food additives.