Tag: Bromine toxicity

In July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized its decision to ban brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food and beverages, citing new scientific evidence demonstrating health concerns. This ban culminates decades of scrutiny surrounding why is brominated vegetable oil banned across multiple countries and regions globally.

In July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule revoking the authorization for brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in foods, citing potential health risks. So, what does brominated vegetable oil do to the body and why was it banned after decades of use in citrus-flavored beverages? This article explores the scientific evidence behind the ban, including how BVO accumulates in the body and its reported effects on the nervous system and thyroid.

On July 3, 2024, the FDA issued a final rule revoking its authorization for the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food, citing potential adverse health effects discovered in recent animal studies. This move marked the end of decades of controversial use for this food additive, especially in citrus-flavored beverages.

While bromide is naturally present in trace amounts in certain foods, significant exposure often comes from manufactured additives and agricultural practices. Specifically, commercial bakery products and some citrus-flavored sodas have been known to contain higher levels due to additives. Understanding where this compound appears is crucial for those concerned about food safety and health.

Chronic exposure to elevated bromine can lead to a toxic condition called bromism, affecting various bodily systems, including the nervous system and thyroid. For nutrition and health-conscious individuals, understanding **what happens when bromine levels are too high** is critical, as dietary sources can contribute to excessive buildup over time.

The US FDA finalized a ban on brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in July 2024, highlighting a crucial regulatory difference between this additive and standard vegetable oil. This action addresses long-standing safety concerns about the modified ingredient and its potential effects on the body.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), animal and human data, including recent studies conducted in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), no longer support the conclusion that the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food is safe. This recent ruling and global regulatory changes raise the important question: what is so bad about brominated vegetable oil?