FDA Banned BVO in Sodas: Products to Avoid with This Harmful Food Additive

Money | July 3, 2024, 7:04 p.m.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of brominated vegetable oil due to safety concerns. BVO, a stabilizer used in citrus-flavored beverages, was found to have adverse health effects, particularly on the thyroid gland. The FDA initiated the ban following studies conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health that revealed potential risks associated with consuming BVO. The ban on BVO, effective August 2, 2024, impacts manufacturers who have one year to reformulate and relabel products to comply with the new regulations. While major soda brands have already phased out BVO from their formulations, some products still contain the additive. Consumers are advised to check labels for "brominated vegetable oil" to find out if a particular drink contains BVO. The ban extends to store-brand sodas available at retailers like Walmart, Giant, and HEB. Overall, the FDA's decision underscores the importance of addressing potential health risks associated with food additives, leading major beverage manufacturers to voluntarily remove BVO from their products.