Health Risks Prompt FDA to Remove Common Soda Ingredient

Starting next month, the FDA will ban the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food products due to potential health hazards that have been revealed in recent studies. Lauren Sforza reports for The Hill that the decision to ban BVO, which is commonly used to stabilize citrus flavoring in sodas, was based on research indicating its toxicity to the thyroid.

Most beverage companies have already reformulated their products to exclude BVO, with only a few still using it. The ban, effective on August 2nd, comes after NIH studies deemed BVO unsafe for consumption. Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for the FDA’s Human Foods Program, stated that the removal of BVO was based on a thorough review of current science and research findings that raised safety concerns.

Aside from thyroid problems, studies have linked BVO to heart, liver, and neurological issues, as well as developmental and reproductive problems. Food safety advocates have long been calling for a ban on BVO and other concerning food additives. The FDA has faced criticism for not acting quickly enough to review and address potentially harmful chemicals in food. This ban on BVO marks a step towards ensuring the safety of food products in the market.