Health concerns surrounding brominated vegetable oil led to the change.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced its intention to revoke the authorization for the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food. The agency cited recent studies conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health that revealed potential adverse health effects in humans.
BVO, a vegetable oil modified with bromine, was previously permitted by the FDA in small quantities to prevent the separation of citrus flavoring in certain beverages. Although it was once considered “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS), the FDA began regulating its use in 1970. Many beverage manufacturers have already replaced BVO with alternative ingredients due to safety concerns, resulting in its limited presence in U.S. beverages today.
The FDA has also been reevaluating the safety of various chemicals in food, including those recently banned in California. The agency is in the process of reviewing color additive regulations, such as FD&C Red No. 3, to ensure its safety in ingested drugs, dietary supplements, and foods. The agency has proposed to create the Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements, and Innovation to enhance the food chemical safety evaluation process.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Commissioner Califf as he oversees the priorities and authorizations made by the FDA.
- For FDA researchers as they conduct tests and studies regarding the safety of substances, foods, and treatments submitted for approval.
Sources: Food and Drug Administration
