Mountain Dew, the vibrant green soft drink known for its bold citrus flavor and marketing appeal to adrenaline seekers, has long been a staple in American pop culture. However, rumors persist that the drink is “illegal” in certain parts of the world or even outlawed entirely. This mystery has sparked numerous conversations online, leading curious consumers and anxious parents to wonder—is Mountain Dew actually banned?
The simple answer is no, Mountain Dew is not universally illegal. Rather, its legal status varies by region, depending on regulatory decisions about the ingredients it contains. To fully understand why Mountain Dew might be considered “illegal” or banned in some countries, we must look closely at its formulation, particularly the controversial food additive brominated vegetable oil (BVO).
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover the origins of Mountain Dew, examine the role of BVO and its regulatory history, and explore where Mountain Dew has faced restrictions or bans. Additionally, we will highlight health concerns tied to BVO and explain how manufacturers have responded to public and governmental scrutiny.
Mountain Dew: From Citrus Soda to Cultural Icon
Mountain Dew first entered the market in the 1940s not as a caffeinated soda, but as a regional lemon-lime flavored drink in Tennessee and Georgia. The original creators, Barney and Ally Hartman, intended it to be a mixer for whiskey. Over time, PepsiCo acquired the brand in 1964, and Mountain Dew underwent several formulation and marketing changes to become the energizing, extreme sport-associated beverage seen today.
The brand is now a major player in the soft drink industry, known for launching high-caffeine variants like Voltage, Kickstart, and the ever-popular Diet Mountain Dew. Despite its global fame, controversy has followed Mountain Dew, especially since its historical use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO).
The Controversial Ingredient: Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
The center of the “Mountain Dew is illegal” rumors lies in one key ingredient: brominated vegetable oil, or BVO.
BVO is a synthetic chemical compound first introduced into food production in the 1930s. It functions as an emulsifier, preventing flavoring ingredients from separating in citrus-based drinks. This creates the smooth, evenly distributed flavor you experience upon each sip.
However, there are several concerns surrounding the safety of BVO, particularly when consumed in high quantities. BVO contains bromine, a naturally occurring element found in flame retardants, posing a red flag to health advocates.
What Happened in Europe? A Clear Example of Regulation
BVO has been banned in over 100+ countries around the globe, including:
- European Union (EU)
- India
- Japan
- Brazil
The bans do not target Mountain Dew alone, but the additive BVO across all food and drink products. In the EU, BVO fell afoul of stricter regulations on food additives, especially those found to have toxic properties. In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated brominated compounds and concluded that they were not safe for regular consumption, and thus they were removed from the EU permitted food additive list.
Why is BVO Still Legal in the United States?
In the U.S., however, BVO is classified as an “interim food additive” by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a status it has held since 1970. Though the FDA initially approved BVO for limited use, the designation suggests that more research is needed on its long-term health effects.
The allowed level in soft drinks is 15 parts per million (ppm). However, due to mounting public concern, several beverage manufacturers—including PepsiCo—voluntarily agreed to remove BVO from their drinks, including Mountain Dew. This happened in 2013 after a high-profile petition collected over 200,000 online signatures demanding PepsiCo reconsider their formulation.
By 2014, PepsiCo had eliminated BVO from all of its drinks sold in the U.S.
So Is Mountain Dew Banned Today?
Since the removal of BVO from Mountain Dew sold in the U.S., and the global variations adhering to local food regulations, Mountain Dew is not outright illegal anywhere in the world—though restrictions might apply prior to 2014, or in select markets where BVO is banned and manufacturers haven’t adjusted recipes accordingly.
However, the notion that it’s “banned” persists on the internet, largely due to:
- Misinformation
- Past incidents where drinks containing BVO were withdrawn in some countries
- Concerned parents relying on outdated data
Mountain Dew in the EU: A Ban-by-Formulation Scenario
Even though Mountain Dew is not expressly banned in the EU, the existing regulations make it impossible to legally sell any bottled drink containing BVO. Since Mountain Dew historically used BVO, selling it in its U.S. form would be illegal.
Therefore, Mountain Dew sold in EU countries like the UK or Germany likely complies with local laws and substitutes BVO with other emulsifiers, such as PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, which is an alternative used by multiple soft drink producers.
Mountain Dew in India and Japan
In countries like India and Japan, similar laws apply. Both nations banned BVO for consumer beverages in 2011 and 2020 respectively. As such, Mountain Dew sold in those countries would not contain BVO and must undergo regulatory compliance before import or production is permitted.
Why Did PepsiCo Stop Using BVO in Mountain Dew?
In 2013, Sarah Kavanagh, a teenager from Mississippi, started a public campaign against PepsiCo. Her Change.org petition highlighting Mountain Dew’s use of BVO in both the original and Diet Mountain Dew versions gained traction, quickly reaching over 200,000 signatures and going viral.
This was part of a broader wave of consumer concern over synthetic or questionable ingredients. Public pressure combined with regulatory uncertainty prompted PepsiCo to reformulate Mountain Dew and discontinue BVO use.
Following Kavanagh’s petition, PepsiCo released this statement:
“We have made the decision to reformulate Diet Mountain Dew and Mountain Dew in the United States and use an alternative ingredient in light of continued consumer concerns about BVO. The reformulated beverage will continue to meet all FDA and local regulatory standards.”
Alternatives to BVO: What Filled the Gap?
With the BVO phase-out, PepsiCo and other soft drink companies turned to more widely accepted emulsifiers, such as:
- Carrageenan
- Gum arabic
- PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil
These options were not only safer and regulatory-approved in more jurisdictions but also aligned better with market trends demanding cleaner, more natural and transparent ingredient lists.
Global Ingredient Variability: Why Does the Same Drink differ by Country?
Food regulatory standards are not universal across all countries. Because of this, companies like PepsiCo often maintain multiple formulations for global sales of the same product.
For example:
| Country | Mountain Dew Variant | BVO Content |
|---|---|---|
| United States (post-2014) | Mountain Dew | BVO-free |
| European Union | Mountain Dew (local formula) | BVO-free (by law) |
| India | Mountain Dew India Edition | BVO-free (by law post-2011) |
| Japan | Mountain Dew Japan | No BVO post-2020 |
This practice allows companies to meet different country regulations without affecting global branding or recipe identity.
Is Drinking Mountain Dew Harmful? Understanding Health Impacts
To be clear: the modern U.S. formulation of Mountain Dew no longer contains BVO, meaning there’s one less controversial ingredient to worry over. However, Mountain Dew and its variants are still high in caffeine, sugar, and artificial colorants, which raises other potential health concerns.
Sugar Content Concerns
A 12 fl oz can of Mountain Dew contains:
- About 46 grams of sugar
- Nearly 170 calories
- 11 teaspoons of sugar per 12 oz
Regular consumption at high levels can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay. Health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) warn against foods and drinks with excessive sugar.
High Caffeine Levels – A Double-Edged Sword
Mountain Dew contains relatively high caffeine levels, especially when compared to other soft drinks:
- Original Mountain Dew (12 fl oz): 54 mg of caffeine
- Mountain Dew Voltage (12 fl oz): 110 mg
- Mountain Dew Kickstart (12 fl oz): 92 mg
This can be problematic for children and teens, or individuals with heart sensitivities and sensitization to stimulants, as high caffeine intake can lead to anxiety, insomnia, or increased heart rate.
Artificial Coloring and Health Debates
Mountain Dew derives its iconic lime-green hue from Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) and Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue), synthetic colorants used in many processed foods and drinks.
While approved by the FDA, some studies and consumer advocacy groups suggest these dyes may cause hyperactivity in children or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The EU requires warning labels on products containing Yellow 5, while the U.S. does not.
The Bigger Picture: Public Trust and Transparency
The debate around Mountain Dew illuminates how food and beverage companies must navigate a complex landscape of consumer expectations, health advocacy, and regulatory compliance.
The BVO controversy served as a wake-up call for food giants to take clean-label movements seriously. Brands are increasingly aware that the presence of uncommon or potentially harmful ingredients—regardless of their legality—can damage brand loyalty and consumer trust.
Transparency Wins: Reformulations After Consumer Pushback
Mountain Dew is not the only iconic drink to remove BVO or change recipes in response to public scrutiny:
- Coca-Cola’s Fanta and Powerade dropped BVO in 2014.
- Gatorade removed BVO in 2013—before Mountain Dew did.
These changes highlight the growing consumer power via social media and activism platforms, and how companies can respond rapidly to public sentiment when pressure is amplified.
Conclusion: Mountain Dew Is Not Illegal, But Complex
To answer the headline squarely: Mountain Dew is not actually illegal in most parts of the world today. The drink was historically associated with a controversial additive, BVO, which led to restrictions and even sales bans in various regions. But thanks to regulatory adjustments by food companies, public awareness, and increased transparency, such barriers have largely been overcome.
Consumers concerned about consuming Mountain Dew—whether due to health or food regulation reasons—should ensure that their bottles comply with local ingredient standards. Always look at packaging and local laws for accurate dietary information and health compliance.
Consuming Mountain Dew in moderation is typically safe, though it contains high sugar and caffeine content. As with all beverages, the key lies in balance and informed choice.
In the future, continued regulatory changes will shape which ingredients companies like PepsiCo are permitted to use in their global product lines. For the present, we can enjoy the soda with more knowledge, a critical eye, and awareness of what’s really in every glowing green can.
Why is Mountain Dew considered illegal in some countries?
Mountain Dew is not entirely illegal in most countries, but certain ingredients in its formula have led to restrictions or outright bans in some regions. One of the primary reasons for these bans is the presence of brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a controversial food additive used to stabilize citrus flavors. Countries like Japan, the European Union member states, and India have prohibited BVO in food and beverages due to potential health risks, such as thyroid issues and neurological effects. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously allowed BVO in limited amounts, growing consumer pressure led PepsiCo to remove it from Mountain Dew in 2020. However, existing perceptions and lingering regulations in some parts of the world still associate Mountain Dew with illegality.
That said, it’s important to note that the legality of Mountain Dew varies depending on the country’s food safety laws and regulatory approach to specific ingredients. In some regions, local bottlers reformulated the drink to comply with national standards, meaning that versions of Mountain Dew available outside the U.S. often do not contain BVO. Despite this, confusion persists due to outdated reports and misinformation circulating online. Consumers should check local product formulations and health advisories to better understand why Mountain Dew may or may not be available in a given location. The issue reflects broader debates about food additives and regulatory differences across the globe.
What is brominated vegetable oil (BVO), and why was it used in Mountain Dew?
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a synthetic chemical formed by bonding vegetable oil with bromine. It was historically used in citrus-flavored soft drinks like Mountain Dew to help emulsify flavor oils and prevent them from separating out of the liquid, which gave the beverage a more uniform taste and appearance. BVO performed a similar function to other emulsifiers but raised concerns because bromine compounds have been linked to neurological and developmental issues when consumed in high amounts. Despite being classified by the FDA as an “interim food additive,” its potential toxicity contributed to its removal from many products worldwide.
The use of BVO in Mountain Dew sparked widespread consumer backlash during the early 2010s, particularly after social media campaigns highlighted its presence in beverages. Health advocates and concerned consumers pointed out that bromine is also found in flame retardants, which created a powerful but sometimes misleading association with the safety of the additive. While the levels of BVO in Mountain Dew were considered relatively low, the controversy prompted PepsiCo to reformulate the drink. By 2020, BVO was discontinued in most of PepsiCo’s product lines globally, though Mountain Dew had already been banned in several countries where its presence was deemed unacceptable. This shift illustrates the influence of public opinion and regulatory action on food industry practices.
Are there any health risks associated with the original formula of Mountain Dew?
The original formula of Mountain Dew, which contained brominated vegetable oil (BVO), raised health concerns based on studies showing that bromine compounds could accumulate in the body over time. Long-term consumption of BVO in high quantities has been associated with potential effects on the central nervous system, memory, and skin conditions, based on animal studies and case reports. In addition to BVO, the high sugar and caffeine content in Mountain Dew also pose well-documented public health concerns—particularly obesity, dental decay, and caffeine overdose—when consumed in large volumes regularly. These factors contributed to ongoing scrutiny from health organizations and regulatory bodies.
However, it’s important to understand that the levels of BVO in Mountain Dew were relatively low, and no large-scale studies ever conclusively demonstrated harm from normal consumption levels. That said, the precautionary principle—used in public health and regulatory policy—supports removing ingredients with the potential for harm until proven safe. Following consumer pressure and scientific recommendations, PepsiCo reformulated Mountain Dew to remove BVO entirely, aligning with trends toward more transparent and safer ingredient choices. The broader concern about health risks in soda remains relevant today, as many sugary and caffeinated beverages are still associated with chronic health problems.
Is Mountain Dew still banned in some countries today?
While Mountain Dew has been reformulated to remove ingredients like brominated vegetable oil (BVO), certain versions of the drink or related products may still be restricted or unavailable in some countries. For example, Indian food safety regulations historically limited the use of BVO and other additives, and although some reformulated Mountain Dew products have been re-approved for sale, availability remains limited. In contrast, most EU nations and Japan maintain a complete ban on BVO in any food or beverage, which means Mountain Dew or similar citrus-flavored sodas may not be approved for sale unless a local version is created to comply with national laws.
Additionally, local PepsiCo bottlers often reformulate products to meet regional regulations. In countries where BVO remains illegal, Mountain Dew may still be sold under a different ingredient profile. To the consumer, this means that the “Mountain Dew” brand may exist in different forms globally, depending on local laws and market strategies. The perception of the drink as being “illegal” lingers, especially in regions where it was previously banned, but the legal status is now less clear-cut. Consumers should consider that what’s available on store shelves may have different ingredients from the original formula and that product availability continues to evolve.
How did consumer activism impact the removal of BVO from Mountain Dew?
Consumer activism played a pivotal role in the decision to remove brominated vegetable oil (BVO) from Mountain Dew. In the early 2010s, a high school student’s petition criticizing the use of BVO gained widespread attention on social media, leveraging platforms like Change.org and Facebook to urge PepsiCo to reconsider its use. This movement was amplified by growing public awareness of food additives and their potential health risks. The petition gained traction, including support from health experts and media coverage, and helped place pressure on PepsiCo to act quickly on ingredient transparency and consumer safety.
The result was a swift corporate response. By 2013, PepsiCo announced it would begin removing BVO from Gatorade, another product containing the additive, and eventually extended this reformulation to Mountain Dew by 2020. This shift was not just a matter of health concerns but also a strategic business decision to maintain brand trust and respond to consumer expectations. The success of this campaign highlights how everyday individuals can influence food industry changes in the digital age, prompting broader conversations around food safety, labeling, and corporate accountability. It also served as a benchmark for future grassroots health advocacy efforts.
What are the differences between Mountain Dew sold in the U.S. and other countries?
Mountain Dew sold in the U.S. has historically differed in formulation from versions sold in countries where certain additives are restricted or banned. One of the most notable differences is the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) as a flavor stabilizer in the U.S. version, which was removed by 2020 but was already prohibited in the EU, Japan, and India. Where BVO is not allowed, local bottlers often replace it with alternative emulsifiers, such as sucrose acetate or glycerol ester of rosin, which are deemed safe by local regulators but alter the drink’s formulation. These variations reflect the complex regulatory landscape that food and beverage companies navigate across global markets.
Additionally, differences in Mountain Dew formulations can extend beyond BVO. In some countries, levels of caffeine, sugar, and artificial coloring agents might also vary, depending on national food laws or consumer preferences. For instance, Mountain Dew sold in Europe may use natural coloring or sweeteners in response to regional sensitivities around synthetic food additives. These adjustments allow PepsiCo to maintain the brand’s presence globally while complying with differing food standards. Thus, while the core branding and flavor profile remain consistent, the actual ingredients in a can of Mountain Dew can differ significantly depending on where you purchase it.
Is Mountain Dew safe to consume now that it no longer contains BVO?
Now that Mountain Dew no longer contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), the beverage is considered safe to consume under normal conditions of use, in line with food safety regulations in most countries. The removal of BVO was part of a broader trend toward using safer, more widely accepted ingredients in soft drinks. PepsiCo replaced BVO with other emulsifiers like glycerol ester of rosin and beta-carotene, which are approved for use in both the U.S. and international markets with stricter food regulations. These alternatives have a longer history of safe use and are less controversial, contributing to a safer beverage profile overall.
That said, the general health concerns associated with soft drinks—such as high sugar content, artificial colors, and caffeine—still apply to modern formulations of Mountain Dew. Drinking it in moderation is recommended to avoid issues like weight gain, tooth decay, and energy crashes. While the reformulation addressed one specific safety concern, consumers looking for healthier options might still consider limiting their intake of sugary, caffeinated beverages. The ongoing evolution of food regulations and consumer expectations means that companies like PepsiCo must continuously evaluate their product ingredients to balance taste, consumer safety, and market compliance.