After more than five decades, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally made a decision to ban the usage of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food products. This additive, which has been known to have toxic effects, has been banned in several other countries as well as in California. BVO is a vegetable oil that has been modified with bromine and has been used in foods since the 1920s. It is commonly used as a stabilizer for fruit flavorings, especially in citrusy beverages like sodas, to prevent the flavoring from separating and floating to the top.
The FDA initially authorized the use of BVO in 1958, but safety concerns arose shortly after. By the late 1960s, the FDA had limited the use of BVO to a flavoring stabilizer and set a cap on the amount that could be used. The additive was allowed at a limit of 15 parts per million (ppm) on an interim basis while the FDA awaited more safety data. Despite concerns, this interim safety limit remained in place until now.
Recent studies commissioned by the FDA have revealed alarming findings about the effects of BVO. A rat study conducted by the agency found that when rats were exposed to BVO levels equivalent to the 15-ppm limit for humans, they experienced abnormalities in their thyroids, changes in hormone signaling, and accumulation of brominated fatty acids in vital organs. These results prompted the FDA to propose a ban on BVO in November 2023.
Prior to the FDA’s decision, many major soda manufacturers had already removed BVO from their products due to public pressure. Companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo phased out the additive from their drinks years ago. However, there are still a few beverages in the US that contain BVO, such as Sun Drop.
Consumer advocates have applauded the FDA’s ban on BVO, calling it a victory for public health. Despite the ban, critics have pointed out that it took the FDA decades to take action on this known toxic additive. The FDA has given manufacturers one year to reformulate their products without BVO.
In conclusion, the FDA’s decision to ban BVO in food products marks a significant step towards protecting consumers from harmful additives. This move highlights the importance of ongoing safety assessments and regulatory actions to ensure the safety of the food supply.
