Where Is Brominated Used?

Products containing bromine are used in agriculture and sanitation and as fire retardants (chemicals that help prevent things from catching fire). Some bromine-containing compounds were historically used as sedatives (drugs that can make people calm or sleepy).

What is BVO used for?

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO for short) is a food additive sometimes used to keep citrus flavoring from separating out in sodas and other beverages.

Where is BVO found?

BVO is in some citrus soft drinks including Mountain Dew, Squirt, Fresca, and Fanta. It's also in sports drinks like Powerade and some pre-mixed cocktails. Following recent news articles and an online petition, PepsiCo said it would remove BVO from Gatorade.