The Popular Sports Drink Banned In Parts Of Europe

For years now, people who have traveled to Europe from the United States have noticed a drastic difference in dietary health and habits while abroad. Many have attributed this to certain foods being banned in Europe, some of which are considered commonplace in the United States. Even certain ingredients like Olestra are banned in Europe.

Drinks are subject to bans in Europe, too. In fact, the popular sports drink brand Gatorade was banned by the . Several ingredients, , resulted in the drink being removed from shelves in several European countries.

Another reason why Gatorade was banned by the European Union was the presence of an ingredient known as BVO. Short for brominated vegetable oil, BVO was added to drinks to stop ingredients from separating. However, BVO is banned in Europe; it was also eventually , and 

The use of BVO is what initially got Gatorade banned by the European Union. The ingredient itself was , and as such, Gatorade was driven out of Europe along with it a few years . , Gatorade made an effort to remove the ingredient from its drinks in a bid to circumvent the ban. However, the removal of BVO wasn't enough to lift the ban. Several Gatorade flavors have certain dyes that are added to give the drinks their signature color. Dyes like require a warning label in all EU countries and are outright banned for consumption by infants and children.

Countries like Norway and Austria have completely banned these dyes. As such, Gatorade is banned in these countries. Some versions of Gatorade are available in Europe as well as other alternatives, which include .