News
FDA moves to ban the use of BVO in soft drink
By Francesca Hangeior
The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, is planning to ban Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) a modified vegetable oil commonly used as a soft drink ingredient.
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a complex mixture of plant-derived triglycerides modified by atoms of the element bromine bonded to the fat molecules.
FDA is banning BVO in food drinks due to some side effects that can endanger the health of consumers.
On November 2, 2023 the FDA proposed to revoke the regulation authorising the use of BVO in food.
The FDA conducted studies that showed adverse health effects in animals in levels more closely approximating real-world exposure.
Here are some of the reasons why BVO may be banned in foods and drinks.
1. Therefore, the FDA can no longer conclude that this use of BVO in food is safe.
2. Results from these studies demonstrate bioaccumulation of bromine and toxic effects on the thyroid – a gland that produces hormones that play a key role in regulating blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism and the reaction of the body to other hormones.
3. BVO does not support the continued use of additives in foods and drinks.
4. From animal studies, scientists imply the compound can slowly build up in fat tissues, leading to iodine deficiency disorders.
5. Already, India, Japan, and the EU nations have place a ban on BVO, and it was outlawed in California in October 2022, with legislation due to take effect in 2027.
6. A United Kingdom study in the 1970s found bromine was building up in human tissues, with animal studies linking high concentrations of BVO with heart and behavioural problems.
By Gloria Ikibah
Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been released after fulfilling his bail conditions.
Farotimi, who had been in custody over allegations of defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola, regained his freedom on Tuesday morning.
He is currently enroute to his home in Lagos.
Confirming the development, activist and politician Omoyele Sowore stated on X, “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held in the prison facilities of Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!”
Earlier, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti granted Farotimi bail, setting conditions that included a N30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must be a property owner), the submission of his passport, and a restriction on granting media interviews following his release.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Following the intervention by the National Assembly leadership, the National Assembly Service Commission, NASC, has reversed the appointment of Dr Ibrahim Atiku as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, DCNA.
The Commission has replaced Atiku with the permanent secretary [Estate and Works Directorate], Engineer Bashir Yero.
This was consequent upon the outcome of a meeting convened Monday night by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and their deputies in attendance.
Present also at the meeting were the Chairman of the NASC, Engineer Ahmed Amshi, two commissioners from NASC, and some permanent secretaries in the NASS bureaucracy.
THE CONCLAVE learnt that the high-level meeting took place in the Senate President’s residence.
Reports from the meeting said that the chairman of the NASC and his commissioners could not justify the appointment of Atiku when asked by the speaker how the choice of Atiku was arrived at.
THE CONCLAVE reports that it was at that point that the commission chairman sought the leave of the Senate President and the Speaker to ask that the permanent secretaries present should excuse them since they could not be sitting over a matter in which they had personal interest.
Upon their return to the room, after the leadership had arrived at a resolution one way or another, it was agreed that Engr. Bashir Yero of Estate and Works Directorate be appointed the DCNA, while Engr Sanda Liman of Procurement Directorate, be redeployed in Estate and Works.
The newly promoted Ibrahim Atiku [to the position of permanent secretary], as resolved and directed, should be deployed in Procurement Directorate.
The NASC is expected to formalise and/or activate the decision soonest.
Source: CONCLAVE
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