Tangy ingredient in Walmart sodas set to be banned by FDA over fears it could have ‘toxic effects

A DANGEROUS ingredient found in tangy sodas is being banned over fears it is not safe to drink.

The US Food and Drug Administration is outlawing all drinks containing brominated vegetable oil after toxicological studies found it can cause problems with your thyroid.

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The chemical is found in some home brand sodas from Walmart, Giant and Food Lion, as well as Sun Drop.

The rule-change will bring the US in line with the UK, European Union, Japan, India and other countries where BVO is already banned.

James Jones, of the FDA, said: “The FDA proposed to revoke the regulation authorising the use of brominated vegetable oil in food.

“The FDA is issuing a proposed rule now because the agency has recent data from studies it conducted that demonstrate adverse health effects in animals at levels more closely approximating real-world human exposure.

“Based on these data and remaining unresolved safety questions, the FDA can no longer conclude that the use of BVO in food is safe.”

Brominated vegetable oil is a type of emulsifier that has been used to stop citrus flavouring separating and rising to the top in some sodas.

It lost its “generally safe” status in the 1970s, when regulators started monitoring studies to determine its risk levels to humans.

One recent study highlighted by the FDA showed the chemicals can have toxic effects on the thyroid.

The research, published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, showed it was potentially dangerous in mice.

Other papers have also linked BVO to a build up of fat in the heart, liver and calf muscle.

Coca Cola stopped using BVO in all its products in 2014 and PepsiCo also removed it from all drinks in 2019.

Keurig Dr Pepper, the maker of Sun Drop, said it was already planning on removing BVO from its products before the FDA announcement.

A spokesperson said: “We have been actively reformulating Sun Drop to no longer include this ingredient and will remain compliant with all state and national regulations.”

The chemical is also found in Wamart’s Mountain Lightning and Food Lion’s Mountain Lion.

A Food Lion spokesperson said: “Food safety is a top priority at Food Lion.

“We, like most retailers, are awaiting additional information from the US Food and Drug Administration.

“For the limited store brand products that contain brominated vegetable oil, we are actively working with our private brand vendors on reformulation opportunities.”

Walmart has been approached for comment.