The FDA wants to ban a food additive that is found in sodas and fruity sports drinks

The use of brominated vegetable oil, which was formerly widely used in well-known beverages like Gatorade and Mountain Dew but has been gradually phased out due to its link to possible health risks, including damage to the liver, heart, and brain, was proposed to be outlawed by the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday.

To prevent ingredients from separating, fruit-flavored sodas and sports drinks typically use brominated vegetable oil as a food additive. It has bromine, which is a component of flame retardants.

While the ingredient is no longer used in many major beverage brands (like Pepsi and Coca-Cola), it is still present in some popular regional beverages (like Sun Drop citrus-flavored soda) and smaller grocery store brands.

Japan and the European Union forbid using the ingredient in food or beverages.

Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill outlawing four food additives, among them brominated vegetable oil. This made California the first state to do so for substances that the FDA has not yet approved.

The FDA declared on Thursday that brominated vegetable oil was no longer safe to use following research on rodents that revealed the ingredient is harmful to the thyroid, a gland that is essential for controlling metabolism, blood pressure, and heart rate. Additionally, prior research has indicated that it might be detrimental to the heart, liver, and nervous system.

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

The FDA announced that until January 17th, it will accept public comments on the proposed rule.

Before enforcing the new rule, the agency stated that it will give beverage manufacturers at least a year to reformulate or relabel their products in the event that the ban is approved.