What Foods Contain Brominated Oil, and Is It Safe?

As of August 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked authorization for brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a food additive once used to stabilize citrus flavorings in beverages. Previously, foods that contain brominated oil were almost exclusively citrus-flavored soft drinks, sports drinks, and other fruity beverages. This change means that by August 2025, no products sold in the U.S. should contain the ingredient, although it might still be found in old inventory.

Quick Summary

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) was used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored sodas and other fruity drinks to prevent ingredients from separating. Due to growing health concerns and recent studies showing potential adverse effects, the FDA issued a ban on the additive in 2024. Most major beverage manufacturers have already phased it out, but some smaller brands or older stock might have included BVO before the ban was enforced.

Key Points

• Foods containing BVO were typically citrus beverages: Before being phased out, brominated vegetable oil (BVO) was primarily found in citrus-flavored sodas, sports drinks, and other fruity beverages to stabilize flavorings. More details can be found on {Link: LiveNow Fox website https://www.livenowfox.com/news/drinks-with-brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo-fda-ban}.

• The FDA banned BVO in 2024: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration revoked authorization for BVO, citing concerns over potential thyroid toxicity and the accumulation of bromine in body tissues. Additional information is available on {Link: LiveNow Fox website https://www.livenowfox.com/news/drinks-with-brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo-fda-ban}.

• Manufacturers have until August 2025 to comply: A one-year compliance period was provided for companies to reformulate their products, deplete stock, and relabel items. Learn more on {Link: LiveNow Fox website https://www.livenowfox.com/news/drinks-with-brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo-fda-ban}.

• Safer alternatives are already in use: Many companies had already stopped using BVO in favor of alternatives like sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), glycerol ester of wood rosin, or acacia gum. Details can be found on {Link: LiveNow Fox website https://www.livenowfox.com/news/drinks-with-brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo-fda-ban}.

• Checking labels is the best practice: While major brands have removed BVO, checking ingredient labels is wise, especially for store-brand or regional citrus drinks. More information is available on {Link: LiveNow Fox website https://www.livenowfox.com/news/drinks-with-brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo-fda-ban}.

• International bans existed before the U.S. ban: The EU, Japan, and India are among the regions that have long prohibited the use of BVO in food products. Learn more on {Link: LiveNow Fox website https://www.livenowfox.com/news/drinks-with-brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo-fda-ban}.

• Health concerns were linked to bromine accumulation: Studies identified links between BVO consumption and potential neurological issues, such as headaches and memory loss, due to the buildup of bromine. Details can be found on {Link: LiveNow Fox website https://www.livenowfox.com/news/drinks-with-brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo-fda-ban}.

What is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)?

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a modified mixture of plant-derived triglycerides with bromine atoms bonded to the fat molecules. It functions as an emulsifier, preventing citrus flavorings from separating in beverages. Historically used for this purpose, BVO has faced scrutiny and was initially given "interim food additive status" by the FDA in 1970.

Foods That Previously Contained Brominated Oil

Before the recent ban, brominated oil was primarily found in citrus-flavored beverages, including nationally recognized and store-brand sodas with orange, grapefruit, lemon, or lime flavors. Some sports and energy drinks, as well as certain fruit-flavored syrups and concentrates, also used BVO. Its use in solid foods was rare.

Why Did the FDA Ban Brominated Oil?

The FDA's ban on BVO stems from newer toxicological studies showing health effects, including thyroid toxicity in rodents and the accumulation of lipid-bound bromine in body tissues. The final FDA rule, effective August 2, 2024, concluded there is "no longer a reasonable certainty of no harm" from BVO's use. Manufacturers have until August 2, 2025, to comply.

Alternatives to Brominated Oil

Many manufacturers have already transitioned to safer alternatives to BVO to stabilize their products. Information on common alternatives, a comparison table of BVO and alternatives, how to avoid brominated oil, and a conclusion about the phase-out of BVO can be found on {Link: LiveNow Fox website https://www.livenowfox.com/news/drinks-with-brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo-fda-ban}.

What are safer alternatives to brominated vegetable oil?

Safer alternatives to BVO include sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), glycerol ester of wood rosin (Ester Gum), acacia gum (gum arabic), and modified cellulose, all of which serve a similar stabilizing function. More details are available on {Link: LiveNow Fox website https://www.livenowfox.com/news/drinks-with-brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo-fda-ban}.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is brominated vegetable oil used for?

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) was used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored beverages to prevent the flavoring oils from separating from the water and floating to the top.

What are the health concerns associated with BVO?

Scientific studies raised concerns about BVO causing thyroid toxicity and the accumulation of lipid-bound bromine in body tissues, which could lead to neurological issues like headaches and memory loss.

Is brominated vegetable oil still allowed in food?

No, the FDA officially banned the use of BVO in food products in August 2024. Manufacturers were given a one-year period, until August 2025, to comply with the new regulation.

How can I tell if a product contains brominated vegetable oil?

You can check the ingredient label for "brominated vegetable oil" or a specific type, such as "brominated soybean oil." However, since major brands have reformulated and the FDA ban is in place, it is becoming very rare to find BVO in products.

Which brands used to contain brominated oil?

Some brands that historically used BVO in their citrus-flavored products include Mountain Dew, Fanta, Powerade, and Sun Drop. Most have voluntarily removed it over the past decade.

Was BVO ever considered safe?

Yes, BVO was initially designated as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) by the FDA but had that status revoked in 1970 after initial safety concerns arose. It was then placed on an "interim basis" before the 2024 ban.

What happens if a product with BVO is found after the ban?

After the August 2025 compliance date, the FDA will enforce the final rule, and any products containing BVO that are still on shelves will be in violation of federal law.