FDA Takes Action to Ban Thyroid-Toxic Soda Additive

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a ban on brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a food additive used in citrusy drinks, due to concerns of thyroid toxicity and other health risks. BVO has already been phased out by major soda brands but can still be found in some store-brand sodas. The additive is banned in several countries and was recently prohibited in California. The FDA's proposed ban comes after over 50 years of toxicity concerns, and the agency is also reviewing the potential ban of red dye No. 3.