The Rise and Fall of Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
What is BVO?
Brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, is a food additive used to stabilize flavoring oils in beverages. It is a mixture of plant-derived triglycerides that have been modified with bromine atoms. Its primary function was to prevent citrus flavorings, which are oil-based, from separating and floating to the top of water-based drinks, giving a uniformly cloudy appearance. For decades, it was a common and low-cost solution for manufacturers of fruit-flavored sodas and sports drinks. The oil is typically made from vegetable oils like soybean or palm oil.
History of a Controversial Additive
The history of BVO's regulation is complex. BVO was initially considered 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) by the FDA in the late 1950s. However, following mounting safety concerns and animal studies in the late 1960s, the FDA removed BVO from the GRAS list in 1970. Despite this, manufacturers were still permitted to use it as a food additive at limited concentrations while further studies were conducted. Meanwhile, other countries, including the UK, European Union, and Japan, had banned the use of BVO entirely. It wasn't until mounting scientific evidence from FDA-led studies in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) linked BVO to potential adverse health effects in rodents that the FDA took more decisive action.
The FDA Ban: What You Need to Know
Timeline of the Ban
In a landmark decision, the FDA issued a final rule in July 2024 to revoke its regulation allowing the use of BVO in food. The ban is based on scientific evidence from rodent studies showing potential harm to the thyroid gland and other health issues at levels simulating human consumption. The final rule became effective on August 2, 2024, with a one-year compliance period. This means companies have until August 2, 2025, to reformulate their products, relabel them, and sell off any remaining BVO-containing inventory. The federal ban followed California's own state ban, the California Food Safety Act, passed in October 2023.
What the Ban Means for Consumers
For consumers, this ban is a clear signal to be vigilant when shopping. Most major brands like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo had already phased out BVO from their products years before the ban due to public pressure. However, smaller or regional brands and store-brand sodas may have continued to use it. The compliance period allows for a gradual transition, so consumers might still encounter products containing BVO until the August 2025 deadline. The best practice is to always check the ingredient label, especially for citrus-flavored beverages.
Which Drinks Have BVO (or Used To)?
The List of Past and Recent Products
Historically, many popular citrus and fruit-flavored beverages contained BVO. These include:
- Mountain Dew: Previously contained BVO, removed due to consumer pressure.
- Gatorade: PepsiCo removed BVO from Gatorade products in 2013.
- Powerade: Coca-Cola removed BVO from Powerade and Fanta products by the end of 2014.
- Fanta Orange: No longer contains BVO.
- Squirt: Keurig Dr Pepper previously used BVO in some versions.
More recently, before the federal ban, BVO could still be found in some smaller brands and store-brand products. Keurig Dr Pepper, for example, had been in the process of reformulating Sun Drop to remove BVO, with plans to finish by late 2024. Some store-brand sodas, such as Food Lion and Walmart's Great Value orange soda, were also reported to contain BVO.
How to Spot BVO on Ingredient Labels
To identify brominated vegetable oil, look at the ingredient list on beverage labels. Manufacturers are required to list BVO explicitly as “brominated vegetable oil” or as the specific oil that has been brominated, such as “brominated soybean oil”. Another visual cue for consumers can be the appearance of the drink. If a cloudy citrus-flavored beverage has been on the shelf for some time, there's a small chance it could be old stock containing BVO, though this is becoming less common as major brands have reformulated.
Comparison Table: BVO Status by Brand
| Brand | Product(s) | Current BVO Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PepsiCo | Mountain Dew, Gatorade | BVO-Free | Removed BVO years ago due to public pressure. |
| Coca-Cola | Powerade, Fanta | BVO-Free | Removed BVO from all products by end of 2014. |
| Keurig Dr Pepper | Sun Drop | Reformulating / BVO-Free | Keurig Dr Pepper actively reformulated Sun Drop, with completion planned for end of 2024. |
| Walmart | Great Value Orange Soda | Likely Reformulating / BVO-Free | Store brands were more likely to contain BVO, but must comply with the ban. |
| D&G (Jamaica) | Genuine Jamaican Sodas | Check Label | Some versions were listed as containing BVO, but brands are required to comply with the ban. |
Health Concerns and Alternatives
Why Was BVO Banned?
The FDA's decision to ban BVO was based on new scientific data indicating potential health risks. Studies on rodents exposed to BVO showed adverse effects on the thyroid gland, which is crucial for regulating metabolism and other bodily functions. Excessive consumption and accumulation of bromine in the body, known as bromism, has also been linked to issues such as headaches, fatigue, memory loss, and nervous system damage. While these cases were rare and often linked to extremely high intake, the long-term safety of BVO could not be guaranteed.
BVO Alternatives
With the ban in place and major brands already having moved away from BVO, manufacturers have turned to safer alternatives. Some of these emulsifying agents include sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) and glycerol ester of wood rosin. These are considered safe for use in food and beverage production and achieve the same stabilizing effect without the associated health risks. The shift to these alternatives means that consumers won't notice a change in the quality or appearance of their favorite citrus-flavored drinks.
Conclusion: The Path to BVO-Free Products
The FDA ban on brominated vegetable oil marks a significant victory for consumer health advocacy. While BVO was a long-standing ingredient in citrus-flavored beverages, evidence of potential health risks led to its official removal from the U.S. food supply. The final compliance date in August 2025 means that all products manufactured and sold will be BVO-free. In the meantime, the best way to avoid BVO is to check ingredient labels, especially on store-brand sodas and older stock. Consumers can feel confident that their drinks are becoming safer as companies complete their reformulations. For more information on food additive safety, the Center for Science in the Public Interest is an excellent resource: CSPI.org
Comprehensive Guide to BVO-Free Shopping
To ensure you're making informed choices, here is a detailed checklist. Check ingredient lists for “brominated vegetable oil” or “brominated soybean oil”. Pay particular attention to citrus and fruit-flavored sodas and sports drinks. Remember that older stock of products that once contained BVO may still be on shelves until August 2025. Opting for major national brands that have been BVO-free for years is generally a safe bet, but verification through the label is the most reliable method. Ultimately, choosing healthier options like water, unsweetened tea, or seltzer can eliminate any concerns about BVO entirely. This ban is a reminder of the importance of continuous food safety monitoring and consumer vigilance.
How Does BVO Build Up in the Body?
When ingested, BVO can leave residues of bromine triglycerides in body fat and in the fat in organs like the liver, heart, and brain. The body accumulates bromine from regular consumption, and if intake is high enough, it can lead to bromine toxicity. The slow accumulation is what prompted long-term safety concerns and the eventual FDA ban, as studies showed adverse effects from chronic exposure.
Impact on Store-Brand Products
Store-brand beverages were historically more likely to contain BVO as they sometimes lagged behind major national brands in adopting alternative formulations. With the FDA ban, these manufacturers must also comply with the 2025 deadline. This means consumers can expect store-brand sodas to be reformulated, removing BVO from the entire food supply, not just major brand products. This levels the playing field for consumer safety across all retail brands.
