Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) has been used as a beverage ingredient for nearly 100 years. In the 1950s it was deemed “generally recognized as safe”, which is a hilarious categorization when you think about it. “Generally safe”. Hmmm…

Anyway, under further review it has been determined that BVO causes negative reactions in the body, particularly impacting the thyroid. 

According to the article, “Companies such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Co. have already started the process of phasing out this ingredient from their products over the last decade.” So that's good news. 

I guess we now have to look back at all the things that were generally recognized as safe in the post-WW2-era, such as drinking from the garden hose, driving without seat belts, not wearing helmets while riding bikes and motorcycles, and other activities.