Brominated vegetable oil, found in some citrus sodas, may be banned

The Food and Drug Administration has proposed banning brominated vegetable oil, an ingredient found in fruity and citrus-flavored sodas, including Sun Drop and some store brands, over concerns of toxic effects shown in animal studies.

The agency’s decision could affect Sun Drop as well as store-brand orange, pineapple and citrus-flavored soda from Giant, Food Lion, Walmart and others.

Animal studies show “clear adverse effects” from the ingredient, the FDA said. Research has found that the ingredient is potentially harmful to the thyroid, liver and heart and could cause neurological problems. The additive is used to keep fruit flavors from separating in drinks and floating to the top. The FDA said many companies have already reformulated their beverages to replace brominated vegetable oil with other ingredients.

Consumers can read the ingredient label to determine if a soda or other product contains brominated oil.

Brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, is a vegetable oil that has been modified with bromine, a natural element that can be used as an alternative to chlorine in swimming pools and historically was used as a sedative. It has been used in food since the 1920s, according to the FDA.

The FDA said it conducted studies that “clearly show adverse health effects” in animals in levels “closely approximating real-world exposure.” In studying the ingredient, the FDA looked at potential toxic effects on rodents. Test animals fed foods with BVO were found to have accumulated bromine in body tissue. Research also found that BVO had toxic effects on the thyroid — a gland that produces hormones that help regulate blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate and metabolism.