FDA Status
Banned
Since 2024-07-02
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), CAS 8016-94-2, is a emulsifier additive holding a composite safety score of 1 out of 5 (Banned / Avoid). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Banned (status effective 2024-07-02), while the European Union lists it as Banned. It is most commonly used as Citrus-flavored sodas (historically Mountain Dew).
Regulatory pressure is notable: 3 U.S. states have enacted legislation targeting Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), including California, Illinois, New York. State actions frequently diverge from federal FDA policy, with legislative trends tending toward stricter controls than the federal baseline. Our regulatory timeline records 1 distinct regulatory event spanning multiple jurisdictions, illustrating how oversight has evolved over time.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), which factors directly into the assigned safety score. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Banned (2024-07-02) | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Banned | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | — | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 8016-94-2 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Emulsifier | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 1 / 5 (Banned / Avoid) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 3 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
1.0 / 5
Composite Safety Banned / Avoid
Safety Score: 1 out of 5
Safety Rating 20.0%
EU Status
Banned
U.S. State Regulations
3 states
California, Illinois
Safety Assessment
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) receives a safety score of 1/5 (Banned / Avoid) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has banned Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) from food use, indicating sufficient evidence of safety concerns.
Notably, 3 US states have enacted regulations targeting Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), reflecting growing legislative attention to food additive safety at the state level. These state actions may differ from federal FDA policy and can range from outright bans to usage restrictions in certain product categories.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO). Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)?
Oil modified with bromine for citrus drink stability.
Health Concerns
- Bromine accumulates in body tissue. Linked to neurological and thyroid issues.
Common Uses
Citrus-flavored sodas (historically Mountain Dew)
Regulatory Timeline
2024-07-02 FDA
Banned
FDA revoked authorization for BVO.
State Regulations
| State | Status | Effective Date | Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Banned | 2027-01-01 | AB 418 |
| Illinois | Banned | 2027-01-01 | HB 2415 |
| New York | Banned | 2027-07-01 | A 6424 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) safe to consume?
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) has a safety score of 1/5 (Banned / Avoid). It is banned by the FDA. It is regulated in 3 US states. Check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) used for in food?
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) is commonly used as: Citrus-flavored sodas (historically Mountain Dew). It belongs to the Emulsifier category of food additives.
Is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) banned in any US states?
Yes, Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) is regulated in 3 US states: California, Illinois, New York. Regulations vary from full bans to restrictions on specific uses.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)?
The FDA classifies Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) as "Banned", while the EU status is "Banned". The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Bromine accumulates in body tissue. Linked to neurological and thyroid issues.. These findings inform its safety score of 1/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) calculated?
The safety score of 1/5 for Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial