The Food and Drug Administration has proposed banning brominated vegetable oil, a food additive used in sports drinks and citrus-flavored beverages. The proposed rule would prohibit the use of BVO in food products sold in the United States.
"The science is clear: BVO accumulates in body tissue and has been associated with neurological symptoms including headache, fatigue, and memory impairment," said FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kim Lutz.
BVO contains bromine, an element also found in flame retardants and industrial chemicals. The additive has been banned or restricted in Japan, the European Union, and several other countries due to safety concerns.
Major beverage manufacturers including PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have already removed BVO from their products in anticipation of regulatory action. "We support the FDA's review process and are committed to reformulating affected products," said a PepsiCo spokesperson.
Consumer advocacy groups have called for faster action on the proposed ban. "This additive should never have been approved, and we are glad the FDA is finally taking action," said Consumer Reports Senior Scientist Dr. Michael Hansen.