Brominated vegetable oil or BVO was once used in citrus flavoured drinks, but animal studies raised health concerns
The substance, also known as BVO, has been added to carbonated drinks since the 1930s to ensure that citrus flavouring agents remain suspended in the liquid and don’t float to the top.
“The proposed action is an example of how the agency monitors emerging evidence and, as needed, conducts scientific research to investigate safety related questions, and takes regulatory action when the science does not support the continued safe use of additives in foods,” James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, said last year when announcing the proposed ban.
The Post has contacted Health Canada for comment but has not heard back as of publication. However, the proposal suggests the ban will take effect sometime this year. It’s not clear if any soft drinks sold in Canada currently contain BVO.
“Over the years many beverage makers reformulated their products to replace BVO with an alternative ingredient, and today, few beverages in the U.S. contain BVO,” said Jones.
Substitutes include glycerol ester of wood rosin and locust bean gum.
Health Canada posted on its website: “Previous laboratory studies had reported adverse effects on certain organs, for example the liver, heart or thyroid, of animals orally given BVO, but these effects were seen at much higher doses than humans would get from beverages that contain BVO as a food additive.”
Referencing a 2022 study, it added: “Given that adverse effects previously observed at higher doses have now been seen at lower doses, Health Canada concluded that BVO should not continue to be permitted for use as a food additive.”
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