The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food, citing health concerns. The regulation, which allowed BVO in food, has been revoked after studies with the National Institutes of Health revealed potential adverse health effects in humans. The new rule will take effect on August 2.

BVO has been used in sodas to prevent citrus flavoring from separating and floating to the top. However, studies found the additive to be toxic to the thyroid. The FDA initially proposed banning BVO last fall, highlighting the health risks associated with the additive.

Consumers should be aware that BVO might appear on ingredient lists as “brominated vegetable oil” or more specifically as “brominated soybean oil.” Although many beverage manufacturers have already reformulated their recipes to eliminate BVO, a few beverages in the U.S. still contain the additive.

Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for the FDA’s Human Foods program, emphasized the agency’s commitment to reassessing the safety of food additives. “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,” Jones stated. “We will continue to monitor emerging evidence on the chemicals we have targeted for reassessment, and in cases such as this, where the science no longer supports continued authorized use, we will take action to protect public health.”

The FDA’s decision underscores its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of food additives and protect public health.