Brominated Vegetable Oil
Also known as: E443
FDA revoked the regulation authorizing BVO in food on July 3, 2024 (effective August 2, 2024) after studies showed BVO accumulates in tissues and the thyroid is a target organ for adverse effects. EU and many other jurisdictions had already banned or restricted BVO years earlier.
What it is
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO): vegetable oil chemically modified with bromine, used to stabilize citrus flavoring oils in beverages.
Density modifier/emulsion stabilizer in citrus-flavored sodas to prevent flavor oil separation.
Why it's flagged
- bromine accumulation in tissues
- thyroid toxicity in animal studies
- no longer recognized as safe by FDA
What regulators actually say
"On July 3, 2024, the FDA issued a final rule to revoke the regulation allowing the use of BVO in food. The rule is effective August 2, 2024."
"The data from the study suggest that oral exposure to BVO is associated with increased tissue levels of bromine and that at high levels of exposure the thyroid is a target organ of potential negative health effects in rodents."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
BANNED. FDA revoked authorization for BVO in food by final rule effective August 2, 2024 (compliance date August 2, 2025).
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized in EU; never approved as a food additive in Europe.
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