When was bvo removed from mountain dew

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: BVO (brominated vegetable oil) was removed from Mountain Dew in 2014 after consumer pressure and advocacy campaigns. PepsiCo announced the change in May 2014, with full removal completed by the end of that year.

Key Facts

BVO was removed from Mountain Dew in 2014 after public concern over health effects
PepsiCo announced the phase-out of BVO in May 2014
The complete removal from all products was finalized by the end of 2014
BVO had been used since the 1970s to stabilize citrus-flavored beverages
Mountain Dew was one of the last major U.S. drinks to contain BVO before removal

Overview

Mountain Dew, a popular citrus-flavored soft drink, once contained brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a controversial additive used to prevent flavor separation. BVO was included in the beverage's formula for decades, primarily to keep citrus oils evenly distributed in the drink.

Concerns over potential health effects and consumer activism eventually led to its removal. The shift marked a significant change in the product’s formulation and reflected broader industry trends toward cleaner ingredient labels.

1970s: BVO was first introduced into Mountain Dew and other citrus-flavored sodas to stabilize emulsions and prevent cloudiness.
2013: A petition on Change.org calling for BVO removal from Mountain Dew gained over 200,000 signatures, amplifying public pressure.
May 2014: PepsiCo officially announced it would discontinue the use of BVO across its product line, including Mountain Dew.
End of 2014: The full removal of BVO from all Mountain Dew products was completed, aligning with updated safety standards and consumer demand.
Post-2014: The reformulated Mountain Dew used sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) as a safer alternative to maintain flavor stability.

How It Works

BVO was used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored soft drinks to keep flavor oils suspended in the liquid. Its removal required reformulation to maintain taste and appearance without controversial additives.

BVO Function: BVO helped prevent citrus flavor oils from separating and floating to the top, ensuring consistent taste and appearance in every can.
Chemical Structure: BVO is derived from plant oils bonded with bromine, a heavy element that increases density and aids in emulsification.
Health Concerns: Studies linked high BVO consumption to nerve damage, thyroid issues, and skin problems, prompting regulatory scrutiny.
Regulatory Status: The FDA classified BVO as 'interim final' in 1977, allowing temporary use while further studies were conducted.
Global Standards: BVO is banned in Europe, Japan, and over 100 countries due to potential toxicity and lack of nutritional benefit.
Replacement Ingredients: After BVO’s removal, PepsiCo used SAIB and glycerol ester of rosin to stabilize flavors without health risks.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Mountain Dew’s formulation before and after BVO removal:

Feature	Pre-2014 (with BVO)	Post-2014 (BVO-Free)
Primary Emulsifier	Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)	Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (SAIB)
Regulatory Status	Allowed in U.S. under interim FDA approval	Compliant with global safety standards
Health Concerns	Linked to neurological and thyroid issues	No major health risks identified
Global Availability	Not sold in EU, Japan, or over 100 countries	Marketed globally without restrictions
Consumer Perception	Subject of petitions and negative media	Improved brand image and trust

The reformulation not only addressed safety concerns but also allowed Mountain Dew to align with international standards, improving its marketability abroad. The change reflected a shift in consumer expectations toward transparency and cleaner ingredients in processed foods and beverages.

Why It Matters

The removal of BVO from Mountain Dew had wide-reaching implications for public health, corporate responsibility, and food regulation. It demonstrated how consumer activism can directly influence major beverage companies to reformulate products.

Health Impact: Eliminating BVO reduced long-term exposure risks associated with bromine accumulation in tissues and organs.
Consumer Power: The successful petition showed that organized public pressure can drive change in large corporations like PepsiCo.
Industry Trend: Other soda brands followed suit, reformulating products to remove BVO and similar additives.
Regulatory Influence: The FDA continues to review BVO, with growing calls to ban it permanently based on new toxicological data.
Global Alignment: Removing BVO allowed U.S. products to meet international food safety standards, expanding export potential.
Brand Trust: The change improved PepsiCo’s reputation, positioning Mountain Dew as more health-conscious and transparent.

The BVO removal from Mountain Dew stands as a landmark case in modern food advocacy, illustrating the power of informed consumers and evolving safety standards in shaping product formulations.