The U.S. Ban on Brominated Vegetable Oil: An In-Depth Analysis
The FDA has recently proposed a ban on brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a common additive in citrus-flavored soft drinks, citing significant health risks. Studies have shown that BVO can accumulate in body tissues, potentially causing thyroid and organ damage. This move aligns with actions taken by other countries, including the UK, Japan, and the EU, to eliminate BVO from food products. Major beverage companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have already reformulated their drinks to exclude BVO. As Canada also considers a similar ban, this decision underscores the importance of rigorous food safety regulations and continuous scientific research to protect public health.
Pandemic Procurement Controversy: Canadian Government Favors Costlier Imported Rapid Tests Over Domestic Options
During the pandemic, the Canadian government favored Chinese imports for billion-dollar rapid-test contracts, overlooking more affordable Canadian-made options, as revealed by a Global News investigation. The contracts, some of the largest for medical supplies during the pandemic, were awarded to BTNX and Switch Health, Toronto-area suppliers, who were part of an exclusive federal[ ► ]



