The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked its authorization for the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO). BVO is used as a stabilizer for fruity-flavored foods and beverages and was first used in the 1920’s to help keep citrus products suspended in beverages rather than separating. In 1970, the FDA determined the ingredient was no longer Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and began supervising its use under the food additive regulations. The additive is used as a stabilizer specifically for products containing citrus extractives but may be used in other fruit-flavored foods and beverages as well.
The authorization for BVO was revoked based on safety concerns underscored by studies conducted in alliance with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH commented that the intended use for BVO is no longer considered safe and “has the potential for adverse health effects in humans.” Excessive BVO consumption can cause damage to the central nervous system and thyroid, resulting in nausea, headaches and memory loss. Brominated vegetable oil is modified using bromine, which is also used as a fire retardant and in some sedatives.
In the United States today, only a few sodas and sports drinks contain BVO, as many beverage manufacturers have long worked to phase out the additive and reformulate their products. Many consider the FDA’s revocation of BVO a win for public health. Last year, California became the first state to ban BVO, and it is also banned in some other countries including India and the European Union. The FDA ban takes effect on August 2, 2024. Manufacturers will be allowed a year to deplete their inventory of products containing BVO and reformulate prior to enforcement.
About the Author
Julie Holt is a subject matter expert in the areas of food and beverage, additives and regulatory strategy. Ms. Holt’s expertise includes the beverage industry, with current consulting support across multiple beverage categories.
Holt has more than 25+ years of regulatory experience in the food and food ingredients industries and managed her own advisory firm, Scientific & Regulatory Solutions LLC, prior to joining FoodChain ID. As a consultant, she supported several food and beverage clients including a Fortune 50 company. Holt has provided global regulatory knowledge covering more than 200 countries. Her consulting efforts have supported global regulatory needs, R&D projects, sustainability goals and innovation initiatives.
