Brominated Vegetable Oil (Citrus Sodas)
Moderate burden — Brominated Vegetable Oil (Citrus Sodas) adds a moderate, reducible exposure.
A flavour stabiliser in some citrus-flavoured soft drinks.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 57 places brominated vegetable oil (citrus sodas) in the Moderate band. BVO kept citrus flavouring from separating out, at up to 15 parts per million. In July 2024 the US regulator revoked the authorisation after studies run with the NIH found the potential for adverse effects in humans; bromine accumulates in fat. Most drinks makers had already reformulated.
Frequently asked questions
Is brominated vegetable oil (citrus sodas) a toxic exposure?
Brominated Vegetable Oil (Citrus Sodas) has a Detox Score of 57 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. BVO kept citrus flavouring from separating out, at up to 15 parts per million. In July 2024 the US regulator revoked the authorisation after studies run with the NIH found the potential for adverse effects in humans; bromine accumulates in fat. Most drinks makers had already reformulated.
What is a safer alternative to brominated vegetable oil (citrus sodas)?
A lower-exposure swap for brominated vegetable oil (citrus sodas) is: Sparkling water with fresh citrus, or any soda not listing BVO. BVO kept citrus flavouring from separating out, at up to 15 parts per million. In July 2024 the US regulator revoked the authorisation after studies run with the NIH found the potential for adverse effects in humans; bromine accumulates in fat. Most drinks makers had already reformulated.