brominated vegetable oil
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | brominated vegetable oil |
| English name | brominated vegetable oil |
| INS/E number | INS 443 |
| Functional class | Emulsifier, Stabiliser |
| Year adopted | 1970 |
| Approved by | To be added. |
What is it?
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is produced by adding bromine to unsaturated fatty acids of vegetable oils (e.g. soybean, corn oil). It was used as a density modifier to keep flavour oils suspended in soft drinks; it is now banned or restricted in many regions.
Source
Industrial：植物油与溴发生加成反应，使不饱和脂肪酸双键溴化，提高密度
Why is it used?
- Increases density of flavour oils for uniform suspension in carbonated drinks
- Prevents oil ring and separation
- Was used to stabilise flavour in sports and fruit drinks
Common Foods
- Carbonated beverages
- Sports drinks
- Fruit-flavoured drinks
- Emulsified-flavour beverages
Safety
ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：Formerly 0-0.5 mg/kg bw (as bromide ion), withdrawn
Concerns：
- 溴化物可能在脂肪组织中蓄积
- 高摄入与神经、甲状腺及生殖毒性风险相关
- 已被多国禁用或严格限制
Usage Standard
China：中国已不允许作为食品添加剂使用
International：
- EU: 禁止用于食品 (not authorised)
- FDA: 2024 起撤销 (21 CFR 180.30 已废止)
- Codex: 未列入 GSFA 允许使用
- FSANZ: 不允许使用
- JECFA Monograph (1970), ADI withdrawn
In a nutshell
Brominated vegetable oil was used to suspend flavour oils in drinks but has been banned or withdrawn in many countries due to health risks.
Consumer Advice
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is vegetable oil combined with bromine, used as an emulsifier and density-adjusting agent in citrus sodas to keep flavor oils evenly suspended. It contains no animal ingredients, but it is controversial: it has long been banned in the EU and Japan, and the United States banned it in 2024 because bromine can accumulate in the body. Most products sold through regular channels no longer contain it; if you see it on a label, choose a product without it.
Dietary Restrictions
- Vegan: ✅
- Halal: ✅
- Kosher: ✅
Allergens
✅ Free from common allergens
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.