What is the banned ingredient in orange soda? A closer look at brominated vegetable oil (BVO)

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

In July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially banned the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food products, an ingredient frequently used in citrus-flavored beverages like orange soda. This decision, decades in the making, highlights a critical shift in how food safety regulations protect consumer health.

Quick Summary

The ingredient brominated vegetable oil (BVO), once used to stabilize citrus flavors in orange soda, has been banned due to potential health risks. This article explores BVO's function, the studies prompting its prohibition, and the global regulatory landscape surrounding this food additive.

Key Points

Banned Ingredient: Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) was the banned ingredient in citrus sodas.
Function: BVO was used as an emulsifier to prevent flavor separation.
Health Concerns: High BVO intake is linked to bromine accumulation and potential thyroid and neurological issues.
Global Bans: BVO has been banned in regions like Europe and Japan for years; the U.S. ban is effective in 2024.
Alternatives: Safer alternatives like SAIB and ester gum are now used.
Consumer Action: Check labels for BVO, though most major brands have removed it.

What is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)?

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a food additive created by reacting vegetable oil with bromine to increase its density and act as an emulsifier. In drinks like orange soda, BVO keeps oil-based flavorings evenly mixed, preventing separation and maintaining a consistent appearance.

The Historical Use and Shifting Regulation of BVO

BVO was initially designated as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) by the FDA in 1958. Safety concerns led the FDA to remove it from the GRAS list in 1970, placing it on temporary status with a limit of 15 parts per million. Interim approval continued for decades. Due to public pressure and scientific findings, companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola voluntarily removed BVO from products. State-level bans, including California's in 2023, contributed to the FDA's federal prohibition.

The Health Concerns Associated with BVO

The ban on BVO is based on potential adverse health effects from long-term, high-level exposure, primarily observed in animal studies.

Bromine Accumulation: Bromine from BVO can accumulate in body fat and organs.
Thyroid Function Disruption: Studies in rodents indicated BVO could alter thyroid hormone levels.
Neurological Symptoms: High BVO intake has been associated with neurological issues.
Organ Toxicity: Research suggests potential harm to organs.

Alternatives to BVO and Reformulation

Beverage manufacturers have adopted alternative stabilizers.

Common Alternatives to BVO

Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (SAIB): A density-adjusting agent.
Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin (Ester Gum): A common stabilizer.
Modified Starches and Gums: Ingredients like pectin or gum arabic can also be used.

The BVO Transition: What to Expect

The FDA's ban is effective in August 2024, providing manufacturers one year to reformulate and clear existing stock. While many major brands already removed BVO, older products, especially smaller or store-brand sodas, might still contain it.

Comparison of BVO vs. Alternatives


Feature	Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)	Alternative Stabilizers (SAIB, Ester Gum)
Primary Function	Emulsifier and density-adjusting agent for citrus flavors.	Emulsifier and density-adjusting agent for citrus flavors.
Composition	Vegetable oil chemically modified with bromine.	Sucrose modified with acetate and isobutyrate (SAIB), or glycerol ester of pine rosin (Ester Gum).
Regulatory Status (US)	Officially banned as a food additive by the FDA in 2024.	Approved for use within specified limits.
Health Concerns	Linked to bromine accumulation, potential thyroid issues, neurological symptoms, and organ toxicity with high intake.	Generally considered safe for consumption at approved levels.
Global Status	Banned in Europe (2008), Japan (2010), and India (1990) for decades.	Widely used and approved in many countries.
Impact on Flavor	Adds density without significantly altering the flavor profile.	Used to maintain flavor consistency and appearance, minimal impact on taste.

The Larger Context of Food Additives

The BVO ban highlights discussions about food safety regulations. Some argue the initial GRAS designation for BVO was a loophole. The ban's delay has also raised questions. As consumers prioritize health, the food industry is adapting. The removal of BVO shows the impact of scientific research and consumer advocacy on policy and the importance of checking labels.

Conclusion

The banned ingredient in orange soda is brominated vegetable oil (BVO). Formerly an emulsifier, BVO was banned by the FDA due to health concerns like bromine toxicity and thyroid problems. The ban was influenced by science and consumer awareness. Checking labels is advised until the deadline passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA banned BVO due to potential toxic effects shown in animal studies and bromine accumulation in body tissue.

Many citrus sodas and sports drinks historically contained BVO, but major brands like Mountain Dew and Fanta removed it. Smaller brands were more likely to contain BVO closer to the federal ban.

Excessive BVO consumption has been linked to bromine toxicity (bromism), potentially causing headaches, memory loss, and fatigue.

No, BVO has been banned in many countries for years, including the EU, Japan, and India.

Check the ingredient label. BVO was listed explicitly. New products should not contain it after the ban.

Manufacturers use safer stabilizers like sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) and glycerol ester of wood rosin.

Manufacturers have until August 2025 to sell existing inventory. After that, products containing BVO should not be sold in the U.S..