FDA Bans Use of BVO in Food: A Step Towards Safer Drinks for Consumers

In a major health announcement, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it will be banning the use of a soda additive known as brominated vegetable oil (BVO) starting next month. This decision comes after a review of current science and research findings that raised safety concerns.

The FDA initially proposed banning BVO from food last fall, citing studies that revealed the additive’s toxicity to the thyroid. However, after further investigation, the agency revoked its regulation allowing BVO to be used in food because it is no longer considered safe. The new rule regarding the ban on BVO will go into effect on August 2nd.

BVO is commonly added to sodas to prevent citrus flavoring from separating and floating to the top of the drink. Although many beverage manufacturers have already reformulated their recipes to replace BVO with a different ingredient, only a few beverages in the U.S still contain this additive, such as Sun Drop, Great Value Mountain Lightning, and Faygo Moon Mist.

Jim Jones, the deputy commissioner for the FDA’s Human Foods Program, expressed the agency’s commitment to monitoring and reassessing chemicals in food for safety. He stated that this action was based on emerging evidence on chemicals like BVO and will help protect public health when necessary.