SEVERE — -15 pts

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)

Flags: F-R10

Also known as: BVO, Brominated soybean oil

Kids Food & Snacks

What it is

BVO is vegetable oil modified with bromine, historically used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored soft drinks to keep flavoring evenly distributed. It gives drinks a cloudy appearance.

SEVERE

FDA revoked authorization for BVO in July 2024 after studies showed it bioaccumulates bromine in the body, with toxic effects on the heart, liver, and thyroid. This followed decades of provisional approval and a 2022 FDA-funded study confirming organ damage in animals.

Why it matters

Bromine bioaccumulation in fatty tissue with chronic consumption
Thyroid disruption from accumulated bromine
Heart muscle and liver damage in animal studies
Neurological effects at high accumulated doses

The research

FDA Revokes Regulation Authorizing the Use of Brominated Vegetable Oil in Food

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA, 2024. 89 FR 53820 [Source]

"FDA revoked BVO authorization after studies demonstrated toxic effects on heart, liver, and thyroid from bromine accumulation"

Who should care most

Consumers of citrus-flavored beverages containing BVO. Children who drink citrus sodas or fruit drinks daily are at higher risk due to lower body weight and cumulative exposure.

How other countries handle it

Country	Status
United States	REVOKED (July 2024). Manufacturers given one year to reformulate.
European Union	Never approved for use in food.
Canada	Banned.
Australia	Not permitted.

Sources

FDA Revokes Regulation Authorizing the Use of Brominated Vegetable Oil in Food. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA, 2024. 89 FR 53820. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/brominated-vegetable-oil-bvo

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Consult your pediatrician. Data current as of March 24, 2026.