BTN News: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will ban brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food products starting August 2, 2024. Studies found that BVO is no longer safe for people to eat. BVO has been used in small amounts to stop citrus flavors from separating in drinks.
BVO is Found in Sports Drinks and Citrus Sodas According to the Environmental Working Group
BVO is often in sports drinks and citrus-flavored sodas. This is according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a group that focuses on health and toxic chemicals.
Companies Will Have One Year to Change and Relabel Their Products After the Ban Starts in August
After the ban starts, companies will have one year to change their products and labels. They also have this time to use up any BVO they have left.
Public Concerns and New Studies Led the FDA to Reconsider BVO Use in Food Products
The FDA decided to ban BVO because of new studies and public worries. In 2012, a petition on Change.org got over 200,000 signatures. The petition warned about the health risks of BVO. The EWG said many companies stopped using BVO because of market pressure.
California Law Bans BVO and Other Additives in Food Products
In October 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that bans making, selling, or giving out food with BVO. The law also bans other additives like Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, and propylparaben.
Health Risks Linked to BVO Include Nervous System Damage and Skin Irritation
The EWG says BVO can build up in the body and cause health problems. These problems include nervous system damage, headaches, skin irritation, tiredness, and loss of muscle control and memory. A 1976 study found that BVO harmed the hearts, kidneys, livers, and testicles of pigs.
Expert Dr. Leana Wen Explains How the Risk of BVO Depends on the Amount and Frequency of Consumption
Dr. Leana Wen, a health expert at CNN, said the risk depends on how much and how often BVO is eaten. “Drinking a BVO drink once in a while is not a big problem. But drinking a soda with BVO every day could be a concern,” she said.
FDA References 2022 Study That Found BVO Accumulates in Organs and Raises Health Concerns
The FDA also mentioned a 2022 study. This study found that BVO builds up in the heart, liver, and fat of test subjects. This shows a possible risk for people, so the FDA decided to review BVO rules, according to NBC News.
Brominated Vegetable Oil First Faced Scrutiny in the 1970s Leading to Its Regulation as a Food Additive
BVO was first questioned in the 1970s when the FDA found it was not generally safe because of toxic concerns. Since then, BVO has been regulated as a food additive. Companies have had to list it on product labels.
Many Companies Have Already Replaced BVO With Alternative Ingredients in Their Beverage Products
Many drink companies have stopped using BVO over the years. They use other ingredients instead. PepsiCo and Coca-Cola took BVO out of drinks like Gatorade and Fanta. Now, few drinks in the U.S. still have BVO, the FDA says.
Some Brands Still Use BVO in Their Products According to Arun Sundaram of CFRA Research
But some brands still use BVO. “Sun Drop, made by Keurig Dr Pepper, still has BVO. It is one of the biggest brands that still uses it,” said Arun Sundaram of CFRA Research. Keurig Dr Pepper did not reply to a request for comments from Reuters.
The FDA Ban on BVO is a Major Step to Ensure Food Safety and Protect Consumers
The FDA’s ban on BVO is a big step to keep food safe. Companies have time to adjust, but people should watch out for BVO in their drinks and know the health risks.
