Gizmodo: “A problematic ingredient in some soft drinks is now officially being taken off the market. The Food and Drug Administration has revoked its authorization that allows brominated vegetable oil (BVO) to be used in food, following recent research suggesting that it could potentially harm people’s thyroid health. BVO is vegetable oil that’s been modified with the element bromine. It has primarily been used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored sodas, helping keep the flavoring from separating away. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) was previously classified as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredient. However, since 1970, the FDA has implemented stricter regulations regarding its use. Studies over the years have found evidence that bromine-containing compounds, such as those used as flame retardants, can possibly disrupt hormones produced by the thyroid. Endocrine disrupters in general are thought to raise the risk of many chronic health problems and may be more dangerous during certain hormone-driven periods of life, such as puberty or pregnancy. Too much bromine can also build up in the body, causing acute neurological problems like seizures, and there have been isolated reports suggesting that this can happen through drinking lots of soda…”

• See also SCOTUS Blog – Supreme Court strikes down Chevron, curtailing power of federal agencies]
• See also Scientific American [unpaywalled] A Supreme Court Ruling May Make It Harder for Government Agencies to Use Good Science. The Supreme Court is considering the fate of Chevron deference, a 40-year legal principle that has shaped the role of government agencies. The outcome could affect medication approval, pollution regulation, and more.