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 to prevent flavouring oils from separating and floating to the top. BVO is a vegetable oil that is treated with bromine – a chemical element found naturally in the Earth's crust and in seawater. Before this survey, have you heard of brominated vegetable oil before?

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. The key concern with BVO lies in its potential health risks when consumed in large quantities. According to Health Canada, previous laboratory studies have reported adverse effects on certain organs like the liver, heart or thyroid of animals given BVO orally. The department explained that these effects were seen at much higher doses than humans would get from beverages containing BVO as a food additive. Do you agree with Canada's decision to ban BVO?

As per food safety regulations, Health Canada has given manufacturers time to reformulate and relabel their products. The health agency said a one-year transition, ending August 30, 2025, will allow these changes to be made. Do you think this is enough time to reformulate products?