Bans

Now We Have to Worry About Something Called Brominated Vegetable Oil Too?

Soccer moms are going to be pissed.
Soccer moms are going to be pissed. Photo: Gatorade

Surprise: Soda isn’t good for your body. And here’s another thing to add to the shit-list against soft drinks: brominated vegetable oil, which is in Gatorade. The ingredient’s purpose is to keep the fruit flavor evenly distributed, but it contains bromine, a potentially dangerous element. Though it’s been used since the thirties, studies have linked bromine to brain, fertility, and thyroid problems as well as early-onset puberty (especially terrifying since Gatorade’s the drink of choice for Little Leagues everywhere). According to the Times, the FDA hasn’t reviewed this additive since 1977 because of a policy loophole, and even then, the ruling was dependent on additional studies and intended to be interim. Now a precocious 15-year-old’s leading a petition against the oil. Because it’s in 10 percent of drinks sold in the U.S. — including Mountain Dew and Fanta Orange — this could mean some of your favorite sodas are endangered (maybe this is a Bloomberg push piece). First, a possible ban on rare burgers, and now soft drinks: It’s only a matter of time before someone tries to outlaw fries. [NYT]

Now We Have to Worry About Something Called Brominated Vegetable Oil Too?