FDA Proposes U.S. Ban on Controversial Citrus Soda Ingredient After Decades-Long Controversy

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), responding to recent toxicology studies, has suggested banning BVO, a once commonly used citrus soda ingredient, throughout the country.

According to James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, the proposal reflects the agency's commitment to monitoring emerging evidence and conducting scientific research to address safety concerns, taking regulatory action when necessary.

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) Health Implications and Product Landscape

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a modified vegetable oil with bromine used to prevent citrus flavorings from separating in sodas and juice drinks during transportation and storage.

However, BVO leaves bromine triglyceride residues in body fat, liver, heart, and brain, potentially leading to bromine toxicity with symptoms like central nervous system damage, headaches, nausea, memory loss, and loss of coordination. Although one case reported neurological effects from BVO-containing soda, bromine toxicity typically arises from occupational exposure or contaminated water.

Moreover, animal studies feeding rats BVO revealed increased bromide in blood, higher brominated triglycerides in heart, lung, and fat tissue, and thyroid hormone changes, impacting metabolism and brain development.

The USDA database lists around 600 products with potential BVO, but accuracy depends on manufacturer updates. Despite PepsiCo's 2016 pledge to remove BVO, some products like Mountain Dew, Gatorade, and MTN DEW Amp continued containing it, so checking ingredient lists is crucial.

Although major brands phased out BVO, it persists in products like D&G Genuine Jamaican Soda, Sun Drop, and store-brand sodas such as HEB Orange Burst and Giant Orange Soda, along with citrus-flavored juice beverages like Borden's Pineapple Orange Sun Burst. Regularly check product labels for BVO presence.

Impending Prohibition of BVO in the United State

BVO, previously utilized in various countries and even outlawed in some, faces potential prohibition across the United States, with California leading the way by implementing legislation effective in 2027.

The FDA's historical perspective on BVO has undergone significant shifts. Initially, in the 1950s, the agency classified BVO as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, growing concerns about its potential toxicity prompted a reevaluation in the 1960s, leading to the removal of its GRAS status and imposing restrictions on its concentration, particularly in citrus-flavored beverages.

Despite its limited use, recent scientific studies have compelled the FDA to take a more stringent stance on BVO. The evidence, especially from studies considering the concentrations commonly ingested by humans, has convinced the FDA to propose a complete ban on BVO.

This marks a departure from the agency's earlier position and aligns with global trends where various nations have already prohibited the use of BVO in food and beverages.

Major players in the beverage industry, including PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Co., have proactively phased out BVO from their products over the last decade, anticipating the changing regulatory landscape. The FDA's move to reconsider its approach to food additives, including potential automatic prohibitions on agents linked to cancer, reflects a more dynamic regulatory strategy.

While the final decision on BVO's reclassification is still pending and involves a thorough review process, the successful use of alternative ingredients in citrus drinks worldwide suggests that the absence of BVO is manageable and unlikely to compromise the desired tangy flavor in these beverages.