The Controversy and Removal of Brominated Vegetable Oil
For decades, brominated vegetable oil (BVO) was a common food additive in the United States, used to prevent citrus flavorings from separating and rising to the top of beverages. The ingredient, vegetable oil modified with bromine, came under scrutiny due to potential health concerns linked to high, long-term exposure. Though originally designated as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) by the FDA, concerns led the agency to restrict its use and require further studies. Public pressure, including a 2012 Change.org petition, mounted against major beverage companies. This consumer advocacy ultimately prompted PepsiCo and Coca-Cola to announce they would phase out the additive.
PepsiCo began removing BVO from its products, starting with Gatorade in 2013. While PepsiCo initially indicated that BVO would be removed from all its products, it wasn't until 2020 that Mountain Dew was definitively reformulated without the additive. This came after years of the ingredient being absent from European versions of the drink, where stricter food safety laws prevented its use. The final piece of the puzzle came in 2024 when the FDA, based on animal studies linking BVO to adverse thyroid effects and potential harm to the liver and heart, implemented a national ban with a compliance deadline for manufacturers in August 2025.
Health Concerns Linked to Brominated Vegetable Oil
Despite years of use, BVO's safety was continually questioned by health advocates and international regulatory bodies. Key health risks identified include:
- Bromine Toxicity: Excessive bromine accumulation in the body, which can displace iodine and cause a condition called bromism. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, memory loss, and neurological damage.
- Thyroid Interference: As a halogen, bromine can compete with iodine for absorption in the body. This interference can negatively impact the thyroid gland's function, potentially leading to hormone imbalances and other issues.
- Organ Accumulation: Studies in rodents found that brominated triglycerides from BVO could build up in fat tissue and organs like the heart and liver, raising long-term health concerns.
- Neurological Effects: Case reports of individuals consuming very high amounts of BVO-containing sodas over extended periods have documented severe neurological symptoms, including memory loss and loss of muscle coordination.
What Replaced BVO in Mountain Dew?
To achieve the stable emulsion once provided by BVO, Mountain Dew's formulation now relies on alternative ingredients. Key alternatives used in the beverage industry include:
- Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (SAIB): A stabilizing agent used to maintain the beverage's consistency and appearance. PepsiCo specifically named SAIB as a replacement for BVO in Gatorade and has used similar stabilizers in its other reformulated products.
- Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin: Another emulsifier widely used as a BVO alternative.
- Gum Arabic or Acacia Gum: A natural gum that can also act as a stabilizing agent.
- Modified Starches: Some products use modified starches to serve a similar emulsifying purpose.
In addition to replacing BVO, PepsiCo has also made other ingredient changes. In some international markets, like Australia, Mountain Dew's sugar content was lowered, and low-calorie sweeteners were added. However, the core reformulation to address BVO specifically occurred with a shift to safer stabilizers.
Comparing US and European Mountain Dew Formulas
The ingredient differences between Mountain Dew sold in the United States and Europe have long been a source of public fascination, underscoring the variations in global food regulations. The following table highlights some of the key disparities, which primarily exist due to the EU's stricter 'precautionary principle' regarding food additives.
| Feature | US Formula | European Formula | Reason for Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emulsifier | Formerly contained BVO; now uses alternatives like SAIB. | BVO was never permitted; uses alternatives such as gum arabic. | Stricter EU regulations banned BVO years ago. |
| Color | Uses artificial petroleum-based dye, Yellow #5. | Uses natural coloring, typically beta carotene, derived from plants. | Different regulatory approaches; EU bans synthetic dyes linked to health issues. |
| Sweetener | Uses high-fructose corn syrup. | Uses sugar. | Reflects different regional sourcing and formulation preferences. |
The Takeaway for Consumers
The removal of brominated vegetable oil from Mountain Dew and other major beverages is a significant step forward for consumer health and food safety transparency. The long history of BVO and its eventual replacement demonstrates the power of consumer advocacy and highlights the ongoing evolution of regulatory standards. Today, consumers can be confident that they are no longer consuming BVO in major U.S. beverage brands, though it is always wise to read ingredient labels, especially for store-brand or less common citrus drinks, to ensure they are BVO-free. The industry has responded to consumer demand for safer ingredients, leading to a new era of reformulation and greater awareness of what goes into our food and drinks.
Conclusion
Yes, Mountain Dew has removed brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a change completed by PepsiCo well before the official FDA ban took effect in 2024. The controversial ingredient, once used as an emulsifier, was replaced due to growing public health concerns and international regulations. This shift reflects a broader trend toward more transparent and safety-conscious food production, with companies opting for alternatives like sucrose acetate isobutyrate and natural gums to achieve the same product quality without the associated risks. For consumers pursuing a healthier nutrition diet, staying informed about ingredient changes and regulatory actions remains the best strategy for making conscious choices. You can explore more about food additives and safety at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
