Soda Makers Ditch Controversial Ingredient Amid Health Concerns

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked its authorization for the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food products, following recent research suggesting that it could potentially harm people's thyroid health. BVO, a vegetable oil modified with the element bromine, has been used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored sodas to help keep the flavoring from separating. However, concerns have been raised over the potential health risks associated with bromine-containing compounds.

Uncovering the Risks of a Soda Staple

The Bromine Buildup Dilemma

Studies over the years have found evidence that bromine-containing compounds, such as those used as flame retardants, can potentially disrupt the hormones produced by the thyroid. Endocrine disruptors, in general, are thought to raise the risk of many chronic health problems and may be more dangerous during certain hormone-driven periods of life, such as puberty or pregnancy. Excessive bromine buildup in the body can also lead to acute neurological problems like seizures, and there have been isolated reports suggesting that this can happen through drinking large amounts of soda.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Industry Response

In 2013, increased public scrutiny over bromine and BVO led PepsiCo to remove it from its line of Gatorade products, switching it with another generally recognized as safe (GRAS) approved emulsifier. Following this decision, the FDA began to reassess the available data and conduct its own research on BVO, in conjunction with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' Division of Translational Toxicology.

The FDA's Decisive Action

The FDA's latest studies have found that oral exposure to BVO can indeed raise levels of bromine in the body's tissues, and that BVO in high enough doses can negatively affect the thyroid health of rats. While it might take a lot of BVO to harm the thyroid in rats, such doses are closer to the amount that people can get in the real world than previously thought, according to the FDA. As a result, the agency has announced the decision to revoke its authorization for the use of BVO in food, which will officially take place next month.

The Shifting Landscape of Soft Drink Ingredients

Many soft drink companies had already pulled BVO from their citrus drinks, including Coca-Cola, and BVO has been banned as a food additive in other countries. However, there are still some brands that rely on BVO in the U.S., such as Sun Drop, produced by Keurig Dr Pepper. The FDA's decision to revoke the authorization for BVO marks a significant shift in the soft drink industry, as manufacturers are forced to find alternative ingredients to maintain the desired taste and texture of their products.