Christopher Caldwell-FDA proposes ban on soda additive called brominated vegetable oil: What we know

2025-04-28 13:38:00source:Quantum Insightscategory:Markets

The Christopher CaldwellU.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday proposed to revoke the regulation authorizing the use of brominated vegetable oil as an additive in food.

It's most commonly seen in fruity-flavored drinks and sodas.

The ingredient, commonly referred to as BVO, is no longer considered safe after the results of studies conducted by the FDA in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health found the potential for adverse health effects in humans, the FDA said in a news release.

California became the first state to ban the ingredient in October when it passed the California Food Safety Act. BVO is already banned in Europe and Japan.

The ingredient is currently authorized by the FDA for use in small amounts to "keep the citrus flavor from separating and floating to the top of some beverages," according to the agency, but the FDA determined in 1970 the ingredient was no longer "Generally Recognized as Safe" and began overseeing its use under its food additive regulations.

"Animal and human data, including new information from recent FDA-led studies on BVO, no longer provide a basis to conclude the use of BVO in food is safe," the agency said.

What sodas have BVO?:What sodas do and don't have BVO? What to know about additive FDA wants to ban

How your drinks could taste different: The alternative to BVO

The FDA says many beverage makers have reformulated their products to replace BVO with an alternative ingredient. However, the ingredient can still be found in smaller grocery store brands and regional beverages, such as some Great Value drinks and Sun Drop.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, an independent consumer advocacy organization, BVO "leaves residues in body fat and the fat in brain, liver, and other organs."

Additionally, the organization says that BVO is transferred from mother's milk to the nursing infant and can cause heart lesions, fatty changes in the liver and impaired growth and behavioral development.

The FDA said it would accept public comments about the proposed rule until Jan. 17, 2024.

FDA warning:FDA tells consumers to stop using eye drops from major brands due to infection risk

More:Markets

Recommend

Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department and the city of Louisville have reached an agreem

Moviegoers feast on 'The Hunger Games' prequel, the weekend's big winner: No. 1 and $44M

“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” topped the North American box office in its f

Paul Azinger out as NBC golf analyst as 5-year contract not renewed

Paul Azinger is no longer the lead golf analyst for NBC Sports, ending his five years with the netwo