FDA bans brominated vegetable oil in beverages after toxicology review
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to ban the use of brominated vegetable oil in beverages. This substance, used since the 1930s as an emulsifier, has been deemed potentially hazardous to consumer health.
The FDA officially withdrew the registration of brominated vegetable oil, commonly known as BVO, following the latest toxicological studies. James Jones, the FDA's Deputy Commissioner for Foods, emphasised that this decision is an example of continuously monitoring new scientific evidence and taking appropriate regulatory action when study results do not confirm the continued safe use of food additives.
BVO, used as an emulsifying agent since the 1930s, ensured the even distribution of flavouring substances in citrus drinks. Its unique properties stem from the presence of bromine atoms attached to the triglyceride molecule, which makes this oil have the appropriate density to mix with water and other fats.
From suspicions to scientific evidence
BVO was used for decades. The FDA deemed this substance generally safe. However, in the following decade, concerns about its potential toxicity emerged, prompting the agency to limit its use to a maximum of 15 parts per million, and only in citrus drinks.
Research conducted over the years gradually provided more evidence of potential risks associated with BVO. A British study from the 1970s showed that bromine accumulates in human tissues, and animal studies suggested a link between high concentrations of BVO and cardiac and behavioural problems.
BVO banned in the entire EU
It is worth noting that many countries worldwide, including India, Japan, and EU member states, had already banned the use of BVO. In the United States, the state of California introduced a ban in October 2022, with the effective date in 2027.
Despite the delayed response from the FDA, major soft drink producers such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have preemptively started phasing out BVO from their products over the past decade. James Jones confirmed that currently, few beverages in the U.S. contain this substance, as most producers have reformulated their recipes, replacing BVO with alternative ingredients.
