Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is an ingredient that appears at the end of the Nutrition Facts label on diet soda. But is it worth worrying about? According to the official definition, they are used to fully mix natural flavoring oils in beverages, since oils are known to not mix well with water. Water is the main ingredient in most beverages. BVO is typically derived from corn or soybean oil.
BVO is a vegetable oil modified with the compound bromine. It is currently allowed to be used in small amounts in the production of citrus-flavored drinks, specifically to prevent the citrus flavors from separating and floating to the top of these drinks.
Ingredients on the ingredients label are listed in order of amount used in the product. That’s why what’s at the top is important. But what if it’s listed at the end of the label? That means the dosage is very small—the FDA has approved the use of BVO, at least in small amounts.
Not allowed as a food additive in Japan or Europe
- In 2013, PepsiCo announced that it would remove BVO from Gatorade products.
- In 2014, Coca-Cola announced that it would remove BVO from all products.
FDA proposes ban
Health concerns about BVO stem from one of its ingredients, bromine. Bromine can irritate the skin, nose, mouth and stomach. Neurological symptoms have also been linked to neurological symptoms in people who drink large amounts of citrus soda per day (more than 2 liters per day). There are also questions about whether bromine can accumulate in the body.
The FDA said that after reviewing the evidence, "results from a study conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that BVO is no longer considered safe for its intended use in food." In a statement on November 2, 2023.
BVO was once widely used as a stabilizer in sodas and sports drinks to prevent citrus flavors from floating to the top. Many beverage manufacturers stopped using the ingredient about 10 years ago due to health concerns. Studies in laboratory animals have shown that oral exposure to the chemical increases bromine levels in certain tissues and adversely affects the thyroid gland.
The FDA announced in 1970 that BVO was no longer GRAS, but it still allowed its use in small quantities as a food additive.
The FDA will accept public comments on the BVO proposal until January 17.
