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Food additives · Brominated vegetable oil

Where brominated vegetable oil is banned, and why

By · Published · Last checked

Where it stands

— · Banned in 4 of 8 · Allowed in 0 of 3 in North America

  • European UnionBanned

    Not authorised.

  • United KingdomBanned

    Not authorised.

  • ChinaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check GB 2760-2024, the national food additive standard.

  • RussiaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check EAEU technical regulation TR CU 029/2012 on additives.

  • JapanNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check MHLW list of designated food additives.

  • United StatesBanned

    Revoked Aug 2024; enforced from 2 Aug 2025.

  • CanadaBanned

    Removed 30 Aug 2024; transition ended 30 Aug 2025.

  • MexicoNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check the COFEPRIS acuerdo on additives and processing aids.

Also banned in: Australia and New Zealand; no Codex provision

Why is it restricted?

FDA studies with NIH found thyroid effects at levels close to what people actually drank.

Where is it found?

Formerly some citrus sodas.

How do I spot it on a label?

  • brominated vegetable oil
  • BVO
  • brominated soybean oil

What you can do: Gap closed in North America. Old stock or imports are the only place you'd see it now.

Quick answers

Is brominated vegetable oil allowed in food in Canada?
Banned. Removed 30 Aug 2024; transition ended 30 Aug 2025.
Is brominated vegetable oil allowed in food in the United States?
Banned. Revoked Aug 2024; enforced from 2 Aug 2025.
Is brominated vegetable oil allowed in food in the European Union?
Banned. Not authorised.

Sources

  1. 1.FDA revokes regulation allowing BVO in food (opens in a new tab)fda.gov · Primary: government, court or law
  2. 2.Health Canada removes brominated vegetable oil from permitted list (opens in a new tab)canada.ca · Primary: government, court or law
  3. 3.Health Canada BVO safety assessment summary (opens in a new tab)canada.ca · Primary: government, court or law

General information, not legal or medical advice. “Banned elsewhere” doesn't automatically mean unsafe: some bans rest on animal welfare, trade or caution. Read the fact checks before sharing a list.

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