The FDA has proposed to ban the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an emulsifying agent used in citrus-flavored sodas to blend flavoring agents evenly. Recent toxicology studies have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with BVO, leading the FDA to reconsider its safety as a food additive. BVO has been linked to potential toxicity and accumulating in fat tissues, prompting its ban in several countries and states.
Despite being classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in the 1950s, the FDA limited BVO’s use in the 1960s due to safety concerns. Over the years, studies have raised alarms about the compound’s long-term health effects, with evidence mounting against its continued use in food and beverages. Major soda companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have taken steps to phase out BVO from their products, as alternatives have been developed to maintain the tangy taste without risking potential health hazards.
The potential ban on BVO could signal a shift in FDA regulations regarding food additives, with a focus on ensuring safety and preventing harmful substances from entering the food supply chain. As the reclassification of BVO undergoes a review process, the FDA is considering automatic prohibitions on food additives that could potentially cause harm. With safer alternatives already in use, the removal of BVO from food and beverages is unlikely to be disruptive to the industry.
