FDA Bans Additive Found in Some Sodas—Here's What to Know

On July 2, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration announced they would no longer allow companies to add brominated vegetable oil (BVO) to their products. The ruling came more than 50 years after the FDA removed BVO from their list of ingredients designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). 

According to the FDA, BVO is a vegetable oil modified with bromine. It was initially added to products like soda in the 1920s as an emulsifier to help prevent citrus flavoring in fruit-flavored beverages from rising to the top. 

The FDA defines a food additive as GRAS if the larger scientific community and experts believe it’s been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions in which it’s being used. 

In the late 1960s, evidence began appearing that suggested that BVO might not be safe for human consumption. But there wasn’t enough evidence to ban it—which is why it was removed from the GRAS list but not totally banned from use. Since 1970, several studies have confirmed that BVO may not be safe to consume, leading to the most recent ruling. 

Bromine is a naturally occurring chemical found in the earth’s crust and seawater. It can be used as an alternative to chlorine in swimming pools and as a fire retardant, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Products containing BVO have been required to include it in their list of ingredients as brominated vegetable oil or brominated vegetable oil with the specific name of the oil—for example, “brominated soybean oil.” 

The FDA states that few products in the United States contain BVO. However, the USDA lists over 600 beverages still containing the ingredient.

Most of the beverages listed on the USDA site are store brands, including ones found at Walmart, Kroger and Hannaford. Two of the top major beverage brands, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, had already committed to removing BVO from their products in 2014 and reformulated most of their products at that time. This included Mountain Dew, Fanta, Fresca, Powerade and more. 

The studies that have been conducted since 1970 testing the safety of BVO have primarily been animal studies. When consumed regularly over time, BVO has been shown to accumulate in the body’s tissues, appearing to primarily affect the thyroid. 

While small, the thyroid gland produces hormones that affect nearly every organ in your body. When it’s not working properly, it can throw everything out of whack. You could experience symptoms like weight gain or loss, brain fog, anxiety, hair loss, depression, weakness and sleep disturbances (to name a few). 

The FDA’s ruling officially goes into effect on August 2, 2024. Companies have one year from that date to reformulate their products to no longer contain BVO. In the meantime, it’s wise to avoid products containing BVO (check the ingredient list if you’re not sure). 

If you love the bubbly nature of soda, consider swapping it with sparkling water. You’ll get all the carbonation with none of the sugar or artificial sweeteners—and no BVO. It might take some time and trying several brands and flavors to land on something you enjoy in the same way, but adding a splash of 100% fruit juice adds sweetness and flavor.  

For another alternative, you could also switch to probiotic- and antioxidant-rich kombucha, which is fermented tea that offers some bubbles—as well as gut health benefits. It’s important to note, however, that if you’re pregnant, you should avoid kombucha. This is because kombucha is not tightly regulated and can contain ingredients that might not be safe to consume during pregnancy. It may also contain small amounts of alcohol due to the fermentation, even if alcohol is not intentionally added. 

The Bottom Line

The FDA will ban the use of BVO in food starting on August 2, 2024. Companies have a year from that date to completely remove it from their products. It’s primarily found in sodas and sugar-sweetened beverages, so be sure to check the nutrition label of the products you have in your home. Alternatives like seltzer water and kombucha can help you cut down on your soda and added sugar intake as well. Little changes can add up to a big impact for your health in the long run.