What is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)?
Brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, is a food additive created by modifying vegetable oil with the element bromine. For nearly a century, its primary function in the food industry has been as an emulsifier and stabilizer, primarily in beverages. By increasing the density of citrus-based flavoring oils, BVO helps keep them from separating and floating to the top of the drink, ensuring a uniform and cloudy appearance. The use of BVO was regulated by the FDA since 1970, with a restriction on its concentration to 15 parts per million (ppm). However, recent scientific evidence has prompted a more definitive regulatory change.
Health Concerns and the Ban on BVO
Concerns over the safety of BVO have existed for decades, primarily stemming from studies showing that bromine can build up in the body's fat tissue and organs, including the liver, heart, and brain. In 2022, a joint FDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH) study on rodents provided crucial evidence linking BVO consumption to potential thyroid damage. The thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and brain development, can be affected because bromine competes with iodine, an essential nutrient for proper thyroid function.
Excessive consumption of BVO-containing products has led to documented cases of bromine toxicity, known as 'bromism'. Symptoms observed in severe cases include neurological issues such as headaches, memory loss, fatigue, tremors, and impaired coordination. These findings ultimately led to the FDA’s decision to ban the additive, citing that there was no longer a "reasonable certainty of no harm" from its continued use. This follows decades of regulatory ambiguity and action in other parts of the world, with the EU, UK, and Japan having banned BVO years ago.
Which foods contain brominated vegetable oil?
Historically, brominated vegetable oil was most commonly found in citrus-flavored drinks, including sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Over the years, many major beverage companies voluntarily phased out BVO from their product lines, often in response to consumer pressure and impending regulations. However, some smaller brands and store-brand sodas continued to use the additive. As of the FDA's final rule in July 2024, and with a full compliance date of August 2, 2025, any remaining BVO-containing products must be removed from the market.
Specific examples of products that were known to contain BVO in the past include:
- Some citrus-flavored soft drinks, such as the Sun Drop brand.
- Certain store-brand sodas, like HEB Orange Burst and Giant Orange Soda.
- Some fruit-flavored juices and syrups.
- Select sports and energy drinks, though major brands like Gatorade and Powerade have been BVO-free for some time.
Identifying Products with BVO on Labels
Before the ban's full enforcement, consumers can identify products containing BVO by checking the ingredients list. Look for the terms:
- 'brominated vegetable oil'
- 'brominated soybean oil'
If you see one of these listed, the product contains BVO and is part of the inventory that must be removed by August 2025. Cloudiness in a citrus beverage can also sometimes indicate the presence of BVO, but this is not a definitive test.
Alternatives to BVO
As manufacturers have moved away from BVO, they have adopted safer and globally accepted alternatives to achieve the same emulsifying effect. Many of these alternatives have a proven track record of safety and are derived from natural or more extensively studied synthetic sources.
Comparison of BVO and its Alternatives
| Feature | Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) | Safer Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Emulsifier for citrus oils in beverages, prevents separation. | Emulsifiers and stabilizers to prevent flavor separation. |
| Health Status | Linked to potential thyroid and neurological issues; banned in many countries. | Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) or approved additives with established safety records. |
| Regulatory Status | Banned in the U.S. (effective Aug 2025), EU, UK, Canada, and Japan. | Approved for use in various regions, including where BVO is banned. |
| Examples of Use | Historically found in citrus sodas, sports drinks, and juices. | Currently used in a wide range of beverages and food products. |
| Common Alternatives | N/A | Sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), glycerol ester of wood rosin (ester gum), acacia gum. |
The Future of Food Additives
The ban on BVO serves as a significant example of how scientific evidence can drive regulatory change to protect public health. The decades-long process, accelerated by state-level action and recent toxicological studies, highlights the ongoing scrutiny of food additives. For consumers, this shift reinforces the importance of reading ingredient labels, even as the food supply becomes cleaner. It is a win for consumer advocates and a signal to manufacturers to prioritize safety and transparency. This move towards safer alternatives ensures that the food industry can still deliver products with appealing texture and flavor without compromising consumer health. You can find more information about the FDA's decision on the Center for Science in the Public Interest website.
Conclusion
While certain beverages historically contained brominated vegetable oil (BVO), consumers can be reassured by the recent FDA ban. Effective fully in August 2025, this action removes the controversial additive from the U.S. food supply due to documented health risks, including potential thyroid and neurological damage. Many major brands voluntarily phased out BVO years ago, and manufacturers are now using safer alternatives like SAIB and acacia gum. The best way for consumers to ensure they avoid BVO is to check the ingredient label, though its presence is now extremely limited and will soon be completely eliminated. This regulatory shift demonstrates a strong move towards a safer food environment and cleaner ingredient lists for everyone.
