Brominated vegetable oil
A brominated oil withdrawn from food use after evidence that bromine accumulates in body tissue.
- Category
- Emulsifiers
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
An obscure or unapproved synthetic emulsifier or thickener, historically used to improve food texture.
How it is used in food
Historically used to extend shelf life or improve texture before modern safety evaluations.
Commonly found in- None (Banned)
Health and safety
Bromine from this oil builds up in fatty tissue with regular intake, and heavy consumption has been linked to headaches, memory loss and impaired coordination.
Evaluated by food safety authorities and determined to be unsafe for general food use.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Not approved | Not approved for general food use or historically banned due to safety concerns. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Not approved | Not approved for general food use or historically banned due to safety concerns. |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E443
Worth knowing
This substance is part of a large list of chemicals that were either evaluated and rejected, or historically used before modern safety regulations existed.
Conclusion
A highly toxic chemical banned from most food markets.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-05.
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