The Food and Drug Administration moved to ban the use of brominated vegetable oil in food on Thursday, saying new tests proved conclusively that it was not safe. The agency acted a month after California outlawed BVO, along with three other food additives: potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye No. 3.
“The proposed action is an example of how the agency monitors emerging evidence and, as needed, conducts scientific research to investigate safety-related questions, and takes regulatory action when the science does not support the continued safe use of additives in foods,” said James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods. “The agency is continuously reviewing and reassessing the safety of a variety of chemicals in food to ensure the science and the law support their safe use in food, including all four ingredients that are part of the recent California law.”
A decision on red dye No. 3 “is forthcoming,” said James.
BVO was authorized by the FDA for use in small amounts to keep citrus flavoring from separating and floating to the top of beverages. Few contain BVO now; makers began reformulating their products after questions about its safety arose in 1970. Recent studies in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health found potential adverse effects on human health, said the FDA.
“We’re pleased to see the FDA catching up!” said the consumer group Center for Science in the Public Interest on social media, a reference to the California law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in mid-October.
California was the first state to ban BVO and the three other additives, effective in 2027. Newsom said it would give food companies time to “revise their recipes to avoid these harmful chemicals” in their products, reported NPR. The additives are used in such goods as candy, fruit juices, and cookies.