The FDA has announced it will no longer permit the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food products due to safety concerns highlighted by recent National Institute of Health (NIH) studies. BVO is a modified vegetable oil with bromine added, commonly used in sodas to prevent citrus flavoring from separating.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit research and consumer health advocacy organization, dozens of products, primarily sodas and some fruit juices, contain BVO. Its safety has been in question since it was removed from the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list in 1970. Since then, the FDA has allowed the use of BVO only in small amounts and with stringent safety monitoring.
Since then, many companies have removed BVO from their products due to market pressure, and now, the FDA is mandating a complete ban based on additional research.
The new FDA regulation prohibiting the use of BVO in products will take effect on August 2. Companies will have one year from that date to deplete their existing inventory of BVO-containing products and to reformulate and relabel their offerings to be BVO-free.
Health Risks of Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Multiple studies have highlighted the health risks associated with consuming BVO, including:
- Nervous system damage
- Headaches
- Skin and mucous membrane irritation
- Fatigue
- Loss of coordination and memory
These risks have been explored extensively in animal studies. For instance, a 1976 study found that pigs consuming BVO developed damage to their hearts, kidneys, liver, and testicles.
The FDA also references a 2022 study on rats, which showed that BVO can persist in the body after consumption, accumulating in the heart, liver, and fat tissue.
Sodas That Contain BVO
The EWG's current list identifies several sodas and brands that still include BVO as an ingredient. Here are some of the items on this list:
- H-E-B Orange Burst Cane Sugar Soda
- Food Lion Diet Orange Soda
- Giant Diet Orange Soda
- Refreshe Diet Grapefruit Soda
- DG Genuine Jamaican Ginger Beer
- Diet Mountain Dew Soda
- Shopper's Value Fruit Punch
- Del's Tangerine Orange Juice
- Friko Strawberry Drink with Fruit Pulp
- Big Shot Pineapple Blue Bayou Flavored Soda
- Borden Pineapple Orange Flavored Sun Burst Drink
Takeaway
What should you do until the ban takes effect? Try to reduce your consumption of sodas and concentrated fruit juices, opting for water instead. Always check ingredient labels and avoid products containing BVO.
The bottom line is that an occasional soda in a social setting is not a major concern, but it's best to avoid making it a daily habit.