Food safety advocates have long been calling for a ban on brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a chemical used to stabilize citrus flavoring in sodas, due to potential health hazards. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally decided to take action and will ban the use of BVO in food products starting next month. The decision was based on research indicating its toxicity to the thyroid, as well as other studies linking it to heart, liver, neurological issues, developmental and reproductive problems.
Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for the FDA’s Human Foods Program, stated that the removal of BVO was based on a thorough review of current science and research findings that raised safety concerns. Most beverage companies have already reformulated their products to exclude BVO, with only a few still using it. The ban, effective on August 2nd, marks a step towards ensuring the safety of food products in the market.
The FDA has faced criticism for not acting quickly enough to review and address potentially harmful chemicals in food. This ban on BVO is a positive step towards protecting public health and ensuring that food products are safe for consumption. It is important for consumers to pay attention to what they are consuming and make informed choices about their dietary habits.
