The FDA is banning this soda additive. Here’s why
What is brominated vegetable oil used for in drinks?
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is used as a stabilizer in drinks, primarily in citrus-flavored beverages. Its purpose is to keep the flavoring from separating and floating to the top of the liquid4. BVO is made by modifying vegetable oil with bromine, a naturally occurring chemical element.
Why has the FDA banned the use of BVO in food?
The FDA has banned the use of BVO in food due to concerns about its safety. A study conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health found potential adverse health effects in humans. BVO, a vegetable oil modified with bromine, was primarily used as a stabilizer in citrus-flavored sodas and sports drinks.
What study influenced the FDA's decision to ban BVO?
The FDA's decision to ban BVO was influenced by a study conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, which found potential adverse health effects in humans6. The study evaluated the consequences of BVO consumption in rodents and concluded that oral exposure to BVO is associated with increased tissue levels of bromine, with the thyroid being a target organ for potential negative health effects.