The Controversy Surrounding Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a food additive that was once commonly used in citrus-flavored beverages, including Mountain Dew and many other sodas. Its primary function was to act as an emulsifier, preventing the flavoring oils from separating from the rest of the liquid and floating to the top. This ensured that the drink maintained a uniform, cloudy appearance. Despite its long-standing use, BVO's presence in consumer products came under intense scrutiny due to growing concerns about its potential health effects.
Health Concerns and Regulatory Action
Health and environmental advocacy groups began to highlight the risks associated with BVO, which contains bromine. Studies indicated that bromine could accumulate in the body's fat and organ tissues over time, with excessive intake potentially leading to health issues. These concerns included potential harm to the thyroid gland, neurological symptoms like headaches and memory loss, and in extreme cases, a condition called bromism. Concerns about BVO prompted many countries, including Japan and the European Union, to ban the additive years before it was phased out in the US.
Public Pressure and Corporate Response
Public awareness and pressure played a significant role in the eventual removal of BVO from popular beverages. A notable campaign began in 2012 when a Mississippi teenager launched a petition calling for PepsiCo to remove BVO from its Gatorade products. The campaign drew substantial support and media attention, signaling to major corporations that consumers were paying closer attention to ingredient labels and demanding healthier alternatives.
In response to this and other campaigns, beverage giants made public announcements about ingredient changes. In May 2014, both PepsiCo and Coca-Cola confirmed they would remove BVO from their product lines. While the public commitment was made then, the complete phase-out took several years for some products.
When did they stop using BVO in Mountain Dew?
For Mountain Dew specifically, the transition away from BVO happened gradually, with the ingredient officially being phased out from its formula in the US around 2019-2020. While the company made an earlier promise in 2014 to remove BVO from its overall portfolio, the ingredient lingered in some products longer than others. A USA Today fact check in 2020 confirmed that PepsiCo no longer used the ingredient in Mountain Dew.
The Final Regulatory Ban on BVO
Even after companies voluntarily removed BVO, federal regulation eventually caught up. Following new safety evaluations that found potential adverse health effects in humans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed and then finalized a ban on BVO. The FDA rule went into effect in August 2024, giving manufacturers one year to comply by either reformulating products or depleting existing stock. California had already passed its own state-level ban in 2023, with an enforcement date of 2027.
Alternatives to BVO: What Replaced it?
With BVO removed, manufacturers needed alternatives to achieve the same emulsifying effect. Today's reformulated Mountain Dew and other citrus drinks use different, federally approved ingredients for this purpose. Common replacements include:
- Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (SAIB): A synthetic compound widely used as a stabilizer in beverages.
- Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin: Derived from pine trees, this emulsifier is also commonly used in the beverage industry.
- Gum Arabic: A natural gum from acacia trees, providing excellent stability.
- Modified Cellulose: A plant-derived ingredient that helps with emulsification and texture.
These alternatives are considered safe for food use based on current scientific evidence and regulatory approval.
The Impact on Your Nutrition Diet
While the removal of BVO is a positive step for consumer health, it's important to remember that most citrus sodas, including Mountain Dew, remain highly processed and high in sugar or artificial sweeteners. A healthier nutrition diet involves reducing the intake of such beverages. Instead, consider:
- Opting for water, flavored sparkling water, or unsweetened teas.
- Making your own citrus-flavored beverages with fresh fruit and minimal added sugar.
- Choosing whole foods and less processed options whenever possible.
Comparing BVO-Containing Products vs. Current Alternatives
This table outlines the key differences between the original BVO-containing beverages and their modern counterparts.
| Feature | Old Mountain Dew (Pre-2020) | Current Mountain Dew (Post-2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Emulsifier | Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) | Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin, Gum Arabic |
| Emulsifier Source | Vegetable oil modified with bromine | Pine trees, acacia gum |
| Health Concerns | Potential for thyroid and neurological issues with high consumption | Currently considered safe for use |
| Regulatory Status (US) | Allowed on an interim basis until banned in 2024 | Allowed as an approved food additive |
| International Status | Banned in EU, Japan, etc. | Reformulated to meet international standards |
Conclusion
The phase-out of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) from Mountain Dew and other sodas was a consumer-driven victory for food safety and nutrition awareness. Prompted by public petitions and mounting health concerns, PepsiCo announced the removal in 2014, with the ingredient fully disappearing from the Mountain Dew recipe around 2020. The FDA’s subsequent ban in 2024 reinforced this industry shift towards safer, better-understood alternatives. While the removal of BVO eliminated one concern, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reading ingredient labels and making informed dietary choices. For optimal health, a diet focused on whole, unprocessed foods and water remains the best option, minimizing reliance on beverages that require controversial additives. For more details on the FDA’s final ban, consult official resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest's BVO resource.
