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FDA Bans Brominated Vegetable Oil: A Potentially Harmful Additive Ingredient Found In Some Sodas

In a bold maneuver, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is gearing up to slam the door on brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a controversial additive lurking in certain sodas. This seismic regulatory shift follows recent animal studies that have sounded the alarm on its thyroid-threatening effects.

BVO: This food additive is banned in numerous countries but legal in the United States

Setting the Scene: California Food Safety Act

California takes the lead, waving the ban flag on BVO back in October through the California Food Safety Act. It's a historic move, making California the pioneer state in the US to outlaw the use of this dicey brominated vegetable oil. Let's not forget, BVO already got the boot in Europe and Japan, underscoring the global unease about its safety.

James Jones, the FDA's deputy commissioner for human foods, dropped a bomb, stating, "The agency concluded that the intended use of BVO in food is no longer considered safe after the results of studies conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health … found the potential for adverse health effects in humans."

Deciphering the BVO Regulations In the US

Now, let's unravel the chemistry: Brominated vegetable oil, a concoction of vegetable oil jazzed up with bromine—a pungent, deep red oily chemical—plays the emulsifier in citrus-flavored beverages. Its mission? To keep the flavoring from staging a separation rebellion and floating to the top. Surprisingly, bromine moonlights as a flame retardant, adding an extra layer of complexity to its presence in our daily sips.

Enter the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the unsung heroes of research and advocacy. According to their Eat Well Guide, around 90 products, mostly sodas, play host to BVO. The relatively low number is a residue of past FDA restrictions, kicking in when BVO lost its 'Generally Recognized as Safe' status in 1970.

"In 1970, the FDA determined BVO was no longer ‘Generally Recognized as Safe’ … and began overseeing its use under our food additive regulations," Jones elaborated. "Over the years, many beverage makers reformulated their products to replace BVO with an alternative ingredient, and today, few beverages in the U.S. contain BVO."

BVO Health Risks Consumption

Brominated vegetable oil comes with a laundry list of health risks, as highlighted by the EWG. From nervous system damage and headaches to skin and mucous membrane irritation, fatigue, and even loss of muscle coordination and memory—the potential side effects read like a cautionary tale. And here's the kicker—it has the unsettling ability to accumulate in the body over time, adding a long-term health risk dimension.

The FDA, fueled by studies on our furry friends, spills the tea on negative health effects at levels mimicking real-world human exposure. One glaring concern flagged by the research is the toxic hit on the thyroid gland, a vital player in regulating blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism.

Scott Faber, the EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs, puts it in plain words, "Today’s announcement will ensure everyone has access to products that don’t contain BVO."

Jones of the FDA clarifies the agency's proactive stance, emphasizing that the proposed ban "is an example of how the agency monitors emerging evidence and, as needed, conducts scientific research to investigate safety-related questions, and takes regulatory action when the science does not support the continued safe use of additives in foods."

BVO-Free Soda Brands

Wondering which sodas brands are BVO-free? Well, according to the FDA, a bunch of beverage bigwigs have given their concoctions a makeover, kicking BVO to the curb and replacing it with a more friendly alternative.

In the saga of soda evolution, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, those watchdogs for us consumers, spilled the beans that back in 2013, PepsiCo raised their hand and pledged to yank BVO out of Gatorade. Then, in a tag-team move in 2014, both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo threw down the gauntlet, declaring a BVO-free future for all their fizzy creations.

Hold on to your soda caps, though! Mountain Dew played the rebel for a few years post-2014, holding onto that BVO secret. 

The Road Ahead

As the FDA pitches its proposal, aiming for a safer food future, the final decision hangs in the balance. Stakeholders and the public get their say until January 17, 2024, before a thorough review process kicks in. Meanwhile, for those eyeing BVO cautiously, a diligent scan of product ingredient lists becomes a non-negotiable.

In navigating this critical phase of food safety, the repercussions of the proposed BVO ban will echo throughout the beverage industry. Brace yourselves for a reevaluation of ingredients and a renewed commitment to consumer well-being.

In a nutshell, the FDA's move to ban BVO stands as a testament to the agency's unwavering commitment to public health. As consumers, it's our cue to stay informed, engage in the conversation, and make mindful choices aligned with our well-being. The veil of toxicity may soon lift, ushering in an era of safer, transparent food, and beverage practices.

FAQs

What is brominated vegetable oil (BVO)?

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) is a vegetable oil modified by bromine, a pungent, deep red oily chemical. It's commonly used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored beverages to prevent flavor separation.

Why does the FDA want to ban BVO?

The FDA proposes to ban BVO due to studies, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, showing potential adverse health effects in humans. BVO has been linked to nervous system damage, headaches, skin irritation, and more.

How does BVO affect the thyroid?

Studies indicate that BVO can have toxic effects on the thyroid gland, a vital organ for regulating blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism.

Which states have already banned BVO?

California has taken the lead by passing the California Food Safety Act, making it the first state in the U.S. to ban BVO. The additive is already prohibited in Europe and Japan.

What products currently use BVO as an ingredient?

At least 90 products, mostly sodas, use BVO as an ingredient. However, the number of products containing BVO has decreased over the years due to past FDA restrictions and market pressure.

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