In a move to safeguard public heath, Health Canada says it has officially banned the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) as a food additive.
The decision follows growing concerns of health risks associated with the additive, which was previously permitted in limited quantities.
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Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) ban of BVO on August 2, Health Canada’s ban came into effect at the end of last month. The ban could impact a range of food and beverage products currently on our shelves.
Here’s what you need to know:
What is brominated vegetable oil?
Brominated vegetable oil is a chemical compound used primarily as an emulsifier in certain beverages.
Emulsifiers help ingredients that do not naturally mix, such as water and oil, stay blended together. In the case of BVO, it is effective in soft drinks, especially those with citrus flavours, and sports beverages …