The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed to withdraw the registration of a brominated vegetable oil known as BVO, commonly used in soft drinks, following recent toxicity studies that provide concerning evidence.
BVO is a component that has been widely used in citrus-flavored soft drinks around the world to keep the flavor evenly mixed in the beverages.
The FDA’s proposal could lead to a permanent ban on BVO across the United States, according to Science Alert.
BVO has been widely used in citrus-flavored soft drinks, and many products still contain it – (Image source: Internet)
According to James Jones, Deputy Commissioner of the FDA for Human Food, this move exemplifies how the agency monitors emerging evidence and, when necessary, conducts scientific studies to verify findings while taking regulatory action when the science indicates that continued use of an additive is not safe.
BVO has been used as an emulsifier since the 1930s in citrus-flavored sodas. Dozens of bromine atoms bond to triglycerides to create a dense oil that remains evenly distributed in the beverage rather than rising to the surface.
Animal studies have shown that this compound may gradually accumulate in our fat tissues. Bromine also has the potential to inhibit iodine from performing its functions within the thyroid gland.
As a result, health authorities worldwide have been skeptical about the risks associated with this emulsifier for decades. Some countries, including India, Japan, and members of the European Union (EU), have banned this substance.
California recently banned BVO in October through a law that will take effect in 2027.
Data on the potential risks associated with even small amounts of BVO is difficult to gather, primarily relying on long-term studies. However, evidence has been presented.
For example, a study in the UK in the 1970s found that bromine accumulation in human and animal tissues was linked to heart issues and behavioral problems.
Fortunately, many major beverage companies, including Pepsico and Coca-Cola, have gradually phased this ingredient out of their products over the past decade.
Jones noted that BVO can be replaced with other ingredients. Such replacements have become common in the United States.
The FDA’s proposal still needs to undergo a lengthy review process, and a legally binding ban may not be issued until early 2024.
