FDA Bans Harmful Brominated Vegetable Oil from Food: A Step Towards Safer Consumption

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food starting next month, due to potential health hazards that have been revealed in studies. This decision, which will be effective as of August 2, follows research that has shown toxicity to the thyroid. BVO is commonly used to stabilize citrus flavoring in sodas, but recent NIH studies have deemed it unsafe for consumption.

The removal of the only authorized use of BVO from the food supply was based on a thorough review of current science and research findings that raised safety concerns, said Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for the FDA’s Human Foods Program. This decision is significant as studies have linked BVO not only to thyroid problems, but also to heart, liver, and neurological issues, as well as developmental and reproductive problems. Food safety advocates have been advocating for a ban on BVO and other concerning food additives for years.

Criticism has been directed toward the FDA for not acting quickly enough to review and address potentially harmful chemicals in foods. This ban on BVO is a step in the right direction to ensure the safety of consumers and to address concerns surrounding food additives. The decision to ban BVO highlights the importance of ongoing research and scrutiny of ingredients used in food products to protect public health. While most beverage companies have already reformulated their products to exclude BVO, there are still a few that continue to use it.