FDA Takes Action Against Additive In Sports Drinks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently revoked its regulation allowing the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food due to safety concerns. BVO contains bromine, a chemical also used in fire retardants. While it was permitted in small quantities in certain citrus-flavored drinks in the U.S. to maintain flavor consistency, the FDA has now deemed it unsafe for human consumption. The ban, set to take effect on August 2, follows earlier actions by countries like the U.K., India, the European Union, and Japan, which banned BVO over toxicity concerns dating back to the 1970s.
Initially proposed in November, the FDA’s decision to ban BVO comes after decades of regulatory scrutiny and safety studies. Despite being recognized as unsafe for food use by the FDA in 1970, BVO remained regulated as a food additive while further research was conducted. This eventual ban marks a significant step in aligning U.S. regulations with global standards on food safety.
Public health advocates, including Scott Faber from the Environmental Working Group, have welcomed the FDA’s move but criticized the delay in taking action. Faber emphasized that it’s been problematic for Americans to consume a chemical banned elsewhere for years. The call for more stringent oversight of food additives has been amplified, highlighting the need for timely regulatory actions to protect consumer health.
According to the FDA, many beverage manufacturers have already transitioned away from using BVO, opting for alternative ingredients. As a result, the presence of BVO in U.S. beverages is now minimal. This regulatory change reflects ongoing efforts to enhance food safety protocols and ensure that additives meet rigorous safety standards before being approved for use in the food supply.
Discussion about this post