An ingredient once commonly used in citrus-flavored sodas to maintain their tangy taste throughout the beverage has been permanently banned across the United States. The FDA has officially revoked the registration of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) following recent toxicology studies that raised significant safety concerns.
Health risks prompt action
“The proposed action is an example of how the agency monitors emerging evidence and, as needed, conducts scientific research to investigate safety-related questions, and takes regulatory action when the science does not support the continued safe use of additives in foods,” explained James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, when announcing the proposal.
BVO has been utilized as an emulsifying agent since the 1930s to ensure that citrus flavoring agents remain evenly distributed in sodas. The addition of bromine atoms to a triglyceride creates a dense oil that can float uniformly in water, preventing flavor separation. However, recent studies have shown that BVO can accumulate in fat tissues and potentially interfere with iodine’s essential functions in the thyroid.
International and historical context
Health authorities worldwide have been wary of BVO for decades. The ingredient is already banned in several countries, including India, Japan, and nations in the European Union. California also passed legislation to outlaw BVO in October 2022, set to take effect in 2027.
The FDA’s stance on BVO has evolved over time. In the 1950s, the agency classified it as generally recognized as safe (GRAS), a designation given to substances either proven safe through testing or in common use before 1958. However, concerns about BVO’s toxicity in the 1960s led the FDA to overturn its GRAS status and limit its use to small concentrations of no more than 15 parts per million in citrus-flavored drinks.
Mounting evidence and final decision
Collecting data on the long-term risks of BVO has been challenging, requiring extensive studies on large populations. Nonetheless, evidence has gradually accumulated. A UK study in the 1970s found that bromine was building up in human tissues, and animal studies linked high concentrations of BVO to heart and behavioral problems.
Recent animal studies, reflecting the relative concentrations humans might ingest, have convinced the FDA there is enough evidence to ban BVO entirely. Most major soda companies, including PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Co., have already been phasing out BVO from their products over the past decade.
“Over the years, many beverage makers reformulated their products to replace BVO with an alternative ingredient, and today, few beverages in the US contain BVO,” said Jones.
Future implications
The ban on BVO may signal further regulatory actions. Jones announced that the FDA is reviewing regulations regarding the use of certain food additives, aiming to automatically prohibit the approval of any food coloring agents found to cause cancer in humans or animals. This initiative is intended to streamline the bureaucratic process for ensuring food safety.
The final decision on the FDA’s reclassification of BVO came after a lengthy review process. With suitable alternatives already in use to ensure citrus drinks remain tangy, BVO’s absence is unlikely to be missed.
Conclusion
The FDA’s ban on brominated vegetable oil marks a significant step in the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure food safety. As toxicology studies continue to shape regulatory decisions, consumers can expect more actions aimed at removing potentially harmful substances from the food supply. With major beverage companies already ahead in replacing BVO, the transition is set to be smooth and largely unnoticed by soda enthusiasts.
