Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a food additive primarily used in fruit-flavored sports drinks and sodas to keep ingredients from separating. It contains bromine, an element found in flame retardants, and has been linked to potential health risks, including damage to the liver, heart, brain, and thyroid gland. Although many large beverage brands, including Coca-Cola and Pepsi, have already stopped using the ingredient in their products, it can still be found in smaller grocery store brands and some popular regional beverages, like Sun Drop citrus-flavored soda. The European Union and Japan ban the use of the ingredient in food and drinks. Here is a list of some drinks that contain BVO:
- Sun Drop
- Walmart Great Value Mountain Lightning Citrus Soda
- Walmart Great Value Orangette
- Walmart Great Value Fruit Punch Soda Pop
- Gatorade (some flavors)
- Fanta
- Fresca
- Mountain Dew
- Powerade (some flavors)
It is important to check the label of any soft drinks or sports drinks before buying them to be sure if they contain BVO.
