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SEVERE — -15 pts

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

Flags: F-R06
Also known as: Butylated hydroxyanisole, E320, tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole
Kids Food & Snacks

What it is

BHA is a synthetic antioxidant preservative used to prevent fats and oils from going rancid. It appears in cereals, snack foods, chewing gum, butter, and food packaging materials.

SEVERE

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) lists BHA as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies. The EU has banned BHA in infant food products. The State of California lists BHA as a known carcinogen under Proposition 65.

Why it matters

The research

1
Report on Carcinogens, 15th Edition: Butylated Hydroxyanisole
National Toxicology Program. NTP/NIEHS, 2021. 15th Report on Carcinogens [Source]
"BHA is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence from animal studies showing forestomach neoplasms"

Who should care most

All consumers, with heightened concern for infants and young children. Cumulative exposure from multiple processed food sources.

How other countries handle it

CountryStatus
United StatesPermitted. FDA approved as GRAS with limits (0.02% of fat/oil content). California Prop 65 listed.
European UnionPermitted in food (E320) with restrictions. BANNED in infant food and food for young children.
CanadaPermitted with limits.
AustraliaPermitted as E320.

Sources

  1. Report on Carcinogens, 15th Edition: Butylated Hydroxyanisole. National Toxicology Program. NTP/NIEHS, 2021. 15th Report on Carcinogens. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/butylatedhydroxyanisole.pdf
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Consult your pediatrician. Data current as of March 24, 2026.