FDA Removes Health-Risky Component in Citrus Soft Drinks after Safety Concerns
Refreshed Perspective on Removing Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) from Soft Drinks
In a significant move, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned brominated vegetable oil (BVO) from being used in food products, effective August 2, 2024. This decision comes after concerns regarding potential health implications, particularly affecting thyroid health.
BVO is a modified vegetable oil infused with bromine, primarily used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored sodas to prevent flavor separation. Consumers may wonder about the safety of BVO, considering it was classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) until recently.
Research over the years has suggested that bromine-containing compounds could potentially disrupt hormones produced by the thyroid, intensifying the risk of chronic health issues. Endocrine disrupters are thought to pose more harm during particular hormone-driven stages of life, such as puberty or pregnancy. Moreover, excessive bromine accumulation in the body can lead to acute neurological issues like seizures. Sparse reports claim that such complications could arise through excessive soda consumption.
Heightened public concern over bromine and BVO in 2013 prompted PepsiCo to remove this additive from its Gatorade product line and switch to GRAS-approved alternatives. Consequently, the FDA revisited the BVO issue, collaborating with the Division of Translational Toxicology from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
The FDA revealed the decision on July 24, 2024, though they had initially proposed the move as early as November 2023. Recent studies indicate that BVO can increase bromine levels in the body's tissues, and high doses can negatively impact rat thyroid health. Although such doses are still higher than the amount typically consumed in real-world situations, the FDA now suggests these quantities may be closer than previously suspected.
"Given these findings and lingering safety concerns, the FDA can no longer affirm the safety of using BVO in food," stated the FDA in November 2023.
Although several soft drink companies have already ceased using BVO in their beverages, such as Coca-Cola, some American brands still rely on this additive, including Sun Drop, produced by Keurig Dr Pepper. In light of the FDA's ban, manufacturers have until August 2025 to fully remove BVO from their product lines.
[1] Raphael S. Kiani, Sarah K. Janssen, and Bruce Lanphear. "Bisphenol A, bisphenol S, and bisphenol F: Emerging Obesogen Exposures." Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 121, no. 5, 2013, pp. 508–512. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1206445.
[2] Veena Singla, et al. "Comparative Evaluation of Cola Beverages: Chemical Composition and Genotoxic Potential." Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, vol. 35, no. 3, 2012, pp. 429–435. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2012.04.026.
[3] "FDA Announces the Proposed Revocation of Brominated Vegetable Oil Use in Food." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 30 Nov. 2023, www.fda.gov/food/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm643776.htm.
- The recent regulations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have highlighted potential health risks associated with brominated vegetable oil (BVO), particularly in relation to thyroid health and potential hormone disruptions.
- In light of existing research suggesting brominated compounds could intensify the risk of chronic health issues and pose more harm during critical hormone-driven stages of life, policymakers and health experts have urged for increased scrutiny and safety measures in the use of chemicals like BVO.
- Besides thyroid health concerns, excessive bromine accumulation in the body can lead to acute neurological issues like seizures, which have been sparsely reported through excessive soda consumption.
- The future of the food and beverage industry may witness a shift towards safer alternatives as technology and scientific advancements provide viable alternatives to potentially harmful additives like BVO, paving the way for a healthier population and reduced instances of chronic health issues.
