Ultra-processing markers
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)
Definition
What it is
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO): emulsifier used in citrus-flavored sodas; the FDA revoked its authorization in July 2024 after studies linked bromine accumulation to thyroid and neurological harm. Already banned in the EU, Japan, Canada, and India.
On the label
Label names covered by this flag
- brominated vegetable oil
- bvo
Regulation
Regulatory status
- Canada Banned
- European Union Banned
- Japan Banned
- United Kingdom Banned
- United States Authorization revoked (2024)
Explainer
In plain language
Brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, is a vegetable oil modified with bromine and used in small amounts as an emulsifier. Its job was to keep citrus flavoring oils evenly mixed through the liquid in some fruit-flavored and citrus sodas rather than floating to the top. It was a functional additive, not something added for flavor or nutrition.
Assessment
Why it is flagged
In July 2024 the FDA revoked its authorization for BVO in food, concluding that the additive was no longer considered safe after studies associated bromine accumulation in the body with effects on the thyroid and other systems. Several other jurisdictions, including the EU, Japan, and India, had already prohibited it. Many US beverage makers had voluntarily reformulated away from BVO in the years before the federal action, so it had become uncommon even before the ban. Clear Label flags BVO because products can linger on shelves through transition periods and because older or imported inventory may still list it. The regulatory picture here is clear rather than contested: the additive lost its US authorization.
In the aisle
Where it commonly shows up
- Older citrus-flavored sodas
- Some regional or store-brand fruit sodas
- Certain citrus sports drinks
- Imported beverages made before local bans
Practical
Reading the label
It appears on ingredient lists as brominated vegetable oil or BVO, usually near the flavorings in citrus drinks. Because its US authorization was revoked in 2024, seeing it now most likely means older stock or an imported product.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid it
Most current citrus sodas already use other emulsifiers or none, so checking the ingredient list of a newer product usually settles it. Some people choose sparkling water with citrus flavor as a simpler alternative.
FAQ
Common questions
Is BVO still legal in the United States?
No. The FDA revoked the food additive authorization for brominated vegetable oil in July 2024. It was already banned in the EU, Japan, Canada, and India.
Why was BVO used at all?
It acted as an emulsifier, keeping citrus flavoring oils suspended so they did not separate and float to the surface of the drink.
Might I still find it on a label?
Possibly. Older inventory or imported products made before local bans can still list BVO, which is one reason Clear Label continues to flag it.
Citations
Sources
Citation
Primary reference
About this page: the definition, label names, severity, and regulatory chips come from the clearlabel ingredient taxonomy, the same data the scanner uses to score products. Research summaries describe associations reported in published studies, not diagnoses; individual responses vary. Scan any product with clearlabel to see which of its ingredients carry flags.