Brominated vegetable oil (BVO), once a common additive in citrus-flavored sodas, has finally met its demise in the American market. This decision aligns the United States with numerous other nations that have long since outlawed the substance. The FDA’s ruling comes after decades of debate and mounting scientific evidence regarding BVO’s potential health risks.
Countries such as Japan, India, and members of the European Union have banned BVO for years, citing concerns over its long-term effects on human health. The state of California took a pioneering step in October 2022 by legislating against BVO, with the ban set to take effect in 2027. This proactive approach mirrors the global trend of increased scrutiny on food additives, similar to the ongoing investigations into synthetic food dyes and their potential health risks.
The FDA’s decision to revoke BVO’s registration stems from recent toxicology studies that have cast doubt on its safety for continued use in food products. James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, emphasized that this action exemplifies the agency’s commitment to monitoring emerging evidence and conducting scientific research to ensure food safety.
The science behind the ban
BVO’s journey from a widely used emulsifier to a banned substance is rooted in scientific research spanning several decades. Initially introduced in the 1930s, BVO served as an effective agent to prevent citrus flavoring from separating in sodas. Its unique chemical structure, created by attaching bromine atoms to vegetable oil, allowed it to disperse evenly throughout beverages.
However, animal studies have consistently suggested that BVO can accumulate in fatty tissues over time. This bioaccumulation raises concerns about its long-term effects on human health, particularly its potential interference with thyroid function. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, and any disruption to its function can have far-reaching consequences.
A significant study conducted in the UK during the 1970s found evidence of bromine buildup in human tissues. Subsequent animal studies linked high concentrations of BVO to :
- Heart problems
- Behavioral issues
- Potential thyroid dysfunction
These findings, coupled with more recent research using concentrations relevant to human consumption, ultimately convinced the FDA to take decisive action. This decision-making process mirrors the agency’s approach to other substances, such as the FDA’s evaluation of antidepressants for potential cancer treatments, highlighting the organization’s commitment to evidence-based regulation.
Industry response and alternatives
The beverage industry has been anticipating this regulatory shift for some time. Major players like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Co. have proactively phased out BVO from their products over the past decade. This forward-thinking approach has enabled a relatively smooth transition away from the controversial ingredient.
James Jones noted that many beverage makers had already reformulated their products to replace BVO with alternative ingredients. This industry-wide shift has resulted in very few beverages in the US still containing BVO, making the FDA’s ban more of a formality than a disruptive force.
The search for safe alternatives to BVO has led to innovations in food science. Companies have explored various options, including :
| Alternative | Function | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerol ester of wood rosin | Emulsifier | Pine trees |
| Sucrose acetate isobutyrate | Density adjuster | Synthetic |
| Vegetable gums | Stabilizer | Plants |
These alternatives not only serve the functional purpose of keeping citrus flavors well-mixed but also address the growing consumer demand for natural and healthier ingredients. This shift in the industry parallels other health-conscious trends, such as the scrutiny of certain cooking oils and their potential health impacts.
Future implications for food regulation
The FDA’s decision to ban BVO signals a potential shift in the agency’s approach to food additives. Jones has indicated that the FDA is reviewing regulations authorizing the use of certain food additives, with a view to streamlining the process for prohibiting substances found to cause cancer in humans or animals.
This more agile regulatory framework could lead to faster responses to emerging scientific evidence, potentially resulting in quicker bans or restrictions on questionable food additives. The move aligns with global trends in food safety regulation, as seen in the EU’s strict stance on pesticides in imported products.
Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed this development, seeing it as a step towards more transparent and health-focused food regulations. The ban on BVO serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in food safety and the importance of continual scientific research in shaping public health policies.
As the food and beverage industry adapts to this new landscape, consumers can expect to see further innovations in product formulations. The focus on safer, more natural ingredients is likely to continue, driven by both regulatory pressures and changing consumer preferences. The FDA’s decision on BVO may well be the harbinger of a new era in food additive regulation, one that prioritizes long-term health impacts over short-term convenience.
That is such a huge win. Tons more work to do, this is a good start though. It just blows my mind that the UK studies discovered this in the1970s. FDA you have to do better!!!
So the rest of the world banned its use a long long time ago and now the FDA is pounding it chest for “protecting” American consumers FINALLY…Drain the FDA!!!!
You couldn’t name a single product actually affected by this change? Sigh.
They should also remove the high fructose corn syrup plain old sugar is better than that crap
This is nothing more than a last-ditch effort to restore a tiny bit of credibility to this thoroughly discredited agency. The FDA has been controlled by big-pharma and big-food for too long and they know with RFK at the helm things are gonna change. The FDA has been allowing us to be poisoned for decades.
Half the people in the U.S. chose an imbecile for president. He has promised to dismantle long-standing regulatory frameworks. This ‘victory’ will be one of the last for years. I would not be surprised to see BVO come back.
Did you know that there is “Mexican Coca-Cola”? Its the same formula as the United States but Mexico bans the use of HFCS. I’ve had Mexi-Cola, with real sugar, and it tastes so much better that the crap the USA lets corporations poison our food supply
What’s weird is the FDA said it was unsafe for FOOD back in the 1970s. Strange how it’s not safe to eat but ok to drink
Gotta love the mentality of people saying, gut the FDA! This way companies can have even more crap in products, since we know how effectively big corporations monitor themselves🙄. With the nominations of Trumpy, rich, and corrupt buddies of the ultimate thief, they’ll be amazed at what will be left after the so called “swamps” are drained. But, man oh man, between the tax breaks and loss of regulations, those big boys are going to be some happy campers. And that’s what matters, right?
FDA says “recent” study to cover their arses
MAHA
Kudos to the knucklehead who chose to ban a product that’s already been virtually phased out by industry players.
While this is a “win”, it seems hollow as the immediate impact to those actually affected is minimal.at best. This action was nothing more than bureaucratic paperwork – done make someone appear accountable for doing what should of been banned long ago!
Will decades more transpire while they decide what to ban next?
And how about banning something like those synthetic dyes?
Saddle up FDA! I hope RFK Jr. cures your lack of concern for the American people. I look forward to seeing you dismantled.
They also need to ban ASPARTAME!!!
LOOKIE HERE!!! YOU GUYS DON’T NEED NO STINKING RFK TO GET US TO DO OUR JOBS!!!
Get rid of all seed oils and toxins in our food and drinks.FDA has poisoned all of us especially our children. ABOLISH the FDA.They should all be prosecuted for the sickness and death of many Americans from the allowed poisons in our foods!
Yes, aspartame MUST GO!! Wicked, toxic sweetener that has been banned for a long time in MANY countries.
Oh it’s so weird that suddenly when half of the US backs someone who directly works with RFK the FDA suddenly tries to begin to actually do its job, which is very funny, a bunch of government lizard people who sold their souls loooong ago and have been suckling on the bloat of govt overspending are now posturing for the incoming doom that’s heading right for them, hoping against hope that they’ll be able to act like genuine public servants FOR ONCE IN THEIR ENTIRE WORTHLESS GOVERNMENT CAREER. Better take up trade school bucko, the Golden parachutes are going away, the talentless and useless jobs with guaranteed salaries and pensions are going away, your endless bloat useless job is going to dissappear, and if you’re in a role that is supposed to actually serve a function AND YOU DO NOT SERVE THAT FUNCTION AT ALL, YOU WILL NO LONGER BE ENTITLED TO A TAXPAYER SALARY. I don’t care how many senate seats, how many house or representative seats, how many president’s, how many mayor’s, any amounts of elections and free speech, we will actually have representation that with their duties, justify the taxes we pay. The lights are on, cockroaches, time to scatter, because the lights are staying on forever.
A lot of food will change for the better under RFK jr.
It only took 50 yrs
They say it’s “emerging evidence” to make it sound like they’re being so amazingly proactive when in reality they are decades behind many countries! MAHA needs to come and clear out the FDA.
The drug lobbies didn’t pay this year? Maybe the new administration coming in want change as much. We hear their on the take. Wonder if RFK will get the same offer as Jared K
Yet we still use flours with bromine…It is prohibited in much of the world but not here in the US. Why isn’t bromine being banned from all products?
Now the FDA needs to follow suit with the rest of the world and ban high fructose corn syrup and all it’s derivatives.
Even though I’m from Corn country, high fructose corn syrup needs to be banned. As somebody who has a few medical conditions, Including cancer, high fructose corn syrup is really bad for me and everyone really. It needs to get out of our food, and also take that sucralose and other non natural chemicals with it.
This country has so many natural things we can live off of
natural ways to preserve our food and drink. we don’t need preservatives… killing people with food additives should be criminal & banned forever… Let people die naturally they don’t need FDA help…
America’s Creed is this country’s problem…. Look around $$$$$$
The FDA is the same as most gov agencies, USELESS! Other countries have limited harmful ingredients for years! Yet we’re still subjected to them why??? Gotta be $$$. And every week there’s a recall on thousands of pounds of something that WASN’T regulated! US govt is completely useless, and now Trump… If only Canada would let us in.
Shrinkflation – Mega corporations receving billions in taxpayer money called stimulus they are so grateful they immediately trippled food prices, package smaller quantities and add know less expensive poisonous ingredients while bribing the FDA to look the other way. The Fear and death administration has know since the 1970s it was widely publicize food dyes, synthetic sweeteners cause cancer and major illness.
Please remove aborted fetuses from everything. It’s called Natural flavors. It’s not Natural. Get it OUT NOW!