Red List Additive

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) — Red List

BVO is a stabilizer for citrus flavors in beverages. It has been banned in the EU and Japan and has faced recent review in the US.

Regulatory snapshot

United States

Revoked (2024) The FDA recently revoked its authorization for BVO in food after studies showed potential health risks.

European Union

Banned Prohibited in food products for many years.

United Kingdom

Banned Maintains a ban on BVO in beverages.

Canada

Restricted Historically allowed in specific quantities but currently under review for potential removal.

Japan

Banned Prohibited in food and beverages.

Statuses summarized from public regulatory documents as referenced in the PRūF report. Verify with official regulators for updates.

Bromine competes with iodine in thyroid function and can accumulate in fatty tissues.
Regulatory action reflects concerns about accumulation and potential thyroid and neurological effects.
US policy has recently moved toward a full ban following new toxicological evidence.

PRūF Red Team Validation report — Internal synthesis provided by PRūF Labs (2025).

Summaries are educational and may be updated as regulations change.