FDA Bans Brominated Vegetable Oil in Foods and Beverages: What You Need to Know
In a significant move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned using brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in foods and beverages. This decision, finalized last week, marks the end of BVO's limited use in the food industry.
What is BVO, and Why Was It Used?
Brominated vegetable oil is a chemically modified oil that incorporates bromine, a naturally occurring element. Beverages, like orange-flavored soda, primarily used it to prevent citrus flavoring from separating and floating to the top. Despite its utility, the FDA had previously allowed only small amounts of BVO in products because of its potential health risks.
The Decision and Its Implications
The FDA decided to ban BVO after extensive collaboration with the National Institute of Health (NIH). A series of studies conducted by these agencies revealed that BVO has adverse health effects, including hyperthyroidism, central nervous system damage, weight gain, and even depression. These findings led to the conclusion that BVO is unsafe for consumption.
Timeline for Compliance
The ban will take effect on August 2, 2024. Following this date, companies will have a one-year grace period to reformulate, relabel, and cease the sales of products containing BVO. While BVO is no longer prevalent in most popular soda brands in the U.S., it still exists in about 600 food and beverage products.
State-Level Actions and Broader Impact
Before the FDA's nationwide ban, California had already passed a bill in October 2023 to prohibit the use of BVO, alongside other controversial ingredients like potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3. Following California's lead, states like Missouri, Washington, New York, and Illinois proposed similar bans. This state-level action underscores the growing concern over the safety of food additives and puts pressure on the FDA to take action at the federal level. The recent ban of BVO is an example of the FDA response.
How can ENTR help?
With ENTR’s groundbreaking Targets feature, our software can flag banned ingredients and ingredients that are no longer considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). With real-time results throughout product formulation, ensuring that your products meet the latest regulatory standards has never been easier.
Stay informed, stay compliant, and trust ENTR to guide you through the evolving landscape of food safety regulations.
