What foods still use BVO?

November 15, 2025 •

2 min read

In July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized its ban on brominated vegetable oil (BVO), citing potential adverse health effects. This action left many consumers wondering what foods still use BVO and which products might be affected as manufacturers transition to alternatives. While major brands have largely phased out BVO, some products and regional store brands might still contain it until the full compliance deadline.

Quick Summary

The FDA banned the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in July 2024, with manufacturers given a one-year grace period to comply. Although major companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo removed the additive years ago, some store brands, especially citrus-flavored sodas, may still contain BVO until the August 2025 deadline. Consumers should check product labels, as older stock with BVO might still be on shelves.

Key Points

FDA Ban: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially banned the use of BVO in food, effective August 2, 2024.
Compliance Deadline: Manufacturers have a one-year grace period, with full compliance required by August 2, 2025.
Affected Products: Before the ban, BVO was primarily used in citrus-flavored sodas and sports drinks, including brands like Sun Drop and some store-brand sodas.
Phase-Out by Major Brands: Large companies such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo removed BVO from products like Fanta, Powerade, and Mountain Dew years ago due to consumer pressure.
Label Reading: To avoid BVO, consumers should check ingredient labels for "brominated vegetable oil" or related terms, especially on older stock or off-brand citrus beverages.
Health Concerns: The ban was prompted by animal studies linking BVO to adverse health effects, including potential harm to the thyroid.
Available Alternatives: Manufacturers are now using safer alternatives to BVO, such as glycerol ester of wood rosin (GEWR) and sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB).

Understanding the FDA's BVO Ban

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a food additive primarily used in citrus-flavored beverages to prevent the separation of flavorings. The FDA's decision to ban BVO, effective August 2, 2024, followed studies highlighting potential health risks. Manufacturers have until August 2, 2025, to comply with the ban, aligning the U.S. with regulations in Europe, Japan, and other regions.

Which Products Historically Contained BVO?

Before the FDA ban, BVO was common in many fruit-flavored drinks. Major brands like Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Fanta, and Powerade had already voluntarily removed BVO from their products in the years prior to the ban, often in response to consumer demand.

Specific Products That May Still Contain BVO

Despite the upcoming deadline, some products, particularly older inventory or beverages from smaller, regional companies, might still contain BVO. Consumers should check ingredient labels diligently. Some specific examples of products potentially still containing BVO include Sun Drop and certain store-brand citrus sodas from retailers like Food Lion and Walmart (Great Value). Products from smaller or imported brands not yet compliant with the new regulations could also pose a risk.

How to Spot and Avoid BVO

To avoid BVO, always check ingredient labels for "brominated vegetable oil". Look for alternative beverages using approved emulsifiers such as glycerol ester of wood rosin (ester gum), sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), gum arabic, or sunflower lecithin. Choosing water or unsweetened drinks is another way to entirely avoid such additives. Products manufactured closer to or after the August 2025 compliance date are generally safer.

Comparison of BVO vs. Common Alternatives


Feature	Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)	Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin (GEWR)	Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (SAIB)	Gum Arabic
Function	Emulsifier, weighting agent for citrus flavors	Emulsifier, clouding agent	Emulsifier, weighting agent	Natural emulsifier, stabilizer
Origin	Vegetable oil modified with bromine	Derived from pine tree resin	Synthetic ester	Natural gum from acacia tree
Regulatory Status (US)	No longer considered safe; banned since Aug 2, 2024	FDA-approved food additive	FDA-approved food additive	FDA-affirmed as GRAS
Global Status	Banned in Europe, Japan, Canada, India	Widely permitted	Widely permitted	Widely permitted, used globally
Health Concerns	Linked to thyroid, heart, and neurological issues	None widely reported	None widely reported	None widely reported, natural source

Conclusion: Consumer Awareness Is Key

The FDA's ban on BVO is a significant development for food safety. While many companies have already removed it, consumers should remain vigilant until the August 2025 deadline. Checking ingredient labels, particularly on store-brand and regional citrus drinks, is the best way to ensure you are choosing BVO-free products. This helps support a safer food supply.

For more information on the BVO ban, you can consult the official FDA website, which provides details on the final rule regarding BVO.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA finalized its ban on brominated vegetable oil in July 2024, with the rule becoming effective on August 2, 2024.

Manufacturers have one year from the effective date to reformulate their products and deplete existing inventory. The compliance deadline is August 2, 2025.

You may still find products containing BVO on store shelves until the August 2025 compliance date, especially older inventory or certain regional/store brands.

BVO is used as a stabilizing and weighting agent, primarily in citrus-flavored beverages, to prevent the flavor oils from separating and floating to the top.

Animal studies have linked BVO consumption to potential adverse health effects, including harm to the thyroid. Research also suggests possible neurological and reproductive issues at high exposure levels.

Common alternatives to BVO include glycerol ester of wood rosin (GEWR), sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), gum arabic, and sunflower lecithin.

Major brands like Coca-Cola (Fanta, Powerade) and PepsiCo (Mountain Dew, Gatorade) voluntarily removed BVO from their products years ago, responding to consumer demand.