Nov. 2 (UPI) — The FDA has proposed a measure that would ban the use of brominated vegetable oil in the United States in response to evidence revealing the potential for adverse health effects in humans.
The measure, proposed Thursday, would effectively revoke the current regulation that allows for the chemical to be used.
Vegetable oil modified with bromine has been authorized by the FDA in small quantities to prevent the separation of citrus flavoring in select beverages. However, recent FDA findings have led to a fundamental shift in its safety classification.
Findings reveal the accumulation of bromine has an adverse impact on the thyroid, a crucial gland responsible for producing hormones that exert significant control over blood pressure, body temperature, metabolism, and the body’s response to other hormones.
Brominated vegetable oil has also been associated with skin and mucous membrane irritation, fatigue, loss of muscle coordination, and memory problems.
As a result of these findings, the FDA now deems the continued use of BVO in food as unsafe, a departure from its prior designation as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) in the 1970s.
“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 the FDA in a statement.
