What is brominated vegetable oil (BVO)?
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a complex mixture of plant-derived triglycerides that have been modified with bromine atoms. It was primarily used in the food and beverage industry as an emulsifier, and its main function was to keep citrus-flavored sodas and other fruit-flavored beverages uniformly mixed. By making the flavor oil's density match that of water, BVO prevented the flavorful, but less dense, oils from separating and floating to the top of the drink. BVO has been utilized by some in the soft drink industry for decades, sometimes at very low concentrations.
The Health Concerns That Led to the Ban
Despite its long use, concerns about the safety of BVO have existed for many years. Several countries, including India, Japan, the UK, and the EU, banned the additive decades ago. The primary health concerns are related to the accumulation of bromine in the body over time, which has been linked to potential adverse effects. These concerns were reinforced by new toxicology studies conducted in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Research has linked BVO to potential health hazards, including harm to the thyroid, liver, and heart. Studies in rodents fed BVO found increases in bromide levels in blood and brominated fats in organ tissues. The thyroid is of particular concern, as bromine can interfere with iodine, which is necessary for proper thyroid function. Chronic, high intake of BVO has also been associated with neurological symptoms, such as headaches, memory loss, impaired coordination, and skin irritation.
Historical Presence of BVO in the Food Supply
Before the ban, BVO could be found primarily in citrus-flavored and some fruit-flavored beverages. It was most commonly associated with these types of drinks for its emulsifying properties, which ensured flavor oils stayed suspended. While major national brands began to phase out BVO years ago due to public pressure, some smaller, regional, or store-brand products continued to use it.
Products That May Have Contained BVO
Historically, products that may have contained brominated vegetable oil include:
- Citrus-flavored sodas: Such as orange, grapefruit, or lemon-lime varieties. Specific brands that contained BVO until recently included Sun Drop, some Great Value (Walmart) sodas, and Food Lion store-brand sodas.
- Citrus-flavored sports drinks: Some brands of sports drinks used BVO to stabilize flavorings.
- Energy drinks: Certain energy drinks that contained citrus or fruit flavorings also used BVO.
- Fruit-flavored syrups: These could be used in various applications and were another potential source of BVO.
- Some baked goods: While less common, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has noted its potential presence in some baked goods.
It is important to note that many companies voluntarily removed BVO from their products well before the 2024 ban. For example, PepsiCo removed BVO from Gatorade in 2013 and Coca-Cola from all its products by the end of 2014. For remaining products, the FDA set a one-year compliance period from August 2, 2024, meaning they must be reformulated by August 2, 2025.
What to Look for on Ingredient Labels
Prior to the ban's compliance date, BVO was required to be listed on a product's ingredient label as “brominated vegetable oil” or as a specific brominated oil (e.g., “brominated soybean oil”). Checking the ingredient list is the most reliable way for consumers to determine the composition of their beverages. With the federal ban, and earlier state-level bans like California's starting in 2027, the presence of BVO on labels will cease.
Comparison of BVO to its Alternatives
In place of BVO, food and beverage manufacturers have turned to safer, FDA-approved alternatives to achieve the same emulsifying effect. These alternatives do not carry the same health risks associated with bromine accumulation. Two commonly used alternatives are sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) and glycerol ester of wood rosin (Ester Gum).
| Feature | Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) | Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (SAIB) | Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin (Ester Gum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Emulsifier, density modifier | Emulsifier, stabilizer | Emulsifier, stabilizer |
| Usage | Previously used in fruit-flavored beverages | Used in non-alcoholic beverages to prevent ingredient separation | Used in beverages to prevent ingredient separation |
| Safety Status (US) | Banned as of August 2024 (1-year compliance) | Approved as a food additive | Approved as a food additive |
| Regulatory History | Banned in EU, UK, Japan, and other countries for years | Approved and used globally | Approved and used globally |
| Health Concerns | Linked to potential thyroid, liver, heart, and neurological issues | Considered safe for use in food | Considered safe for use in food |
What to Do for a BVO-free Diet
Even with the ban, consumers can take proactive steps to ensure their diet is free of potentially harmful additives. While the FDA's enforcement will ensure the U.S. market is clear, vigilance is always wise, especially for imported goods or older stock. Choosing fresh, whole foods and drinking water instead of sugary sodas or fruit juices is a simple, effective strategy to minimize exposure to BVO and other artificial ingredients. Always read the ingredients list carefully. The shift away from BVO highlights the importance of transparent food labeling and a consumer-driven demand for safer ingredients.
For more information on food additives, consult resources like the Environmental Working Group's Food Scores database.
Conclusion
While the question of what foods have brominated vegetable oil in them has become largely a historical one, understanding its past presence is crucial for informed dietary choices. Primarily used as an emulsifier in citrus and fruit-flavored beverages, BVO was banned by the FDA in July 2024 following mounting evidence of potential health risks related to bromine accumulation. The ban has a one-year compliance period, meaning any remaining products will disappear from store shelves. Consumers can easily avoid BVO by checking ingredient labels for safer alternatives like sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) or glycerol ester of wood rosin and by prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods and water in their nutrition diet. This regulatory change represents a positive step towards improving food safety standards, aligning the U.S. with other countries that have long prohibited the additive.
