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Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) (E320) — What You Need to Know

Questionable(3/10)Synthetic

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)?

BHA is a synthetic antioxidant widely used to prevent rancidity in fats, oils, and fat-containing foods. It has been classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) and is listed by the US National Toxicology Program as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Despite these classifications, it remains approved for use in many countries at restricted levels.

What Is It Used For?

Prevents oxidation and rancidity in fats, oils, and fat-containing foods. Also used to preserve flavor and color in processed foods, and as a preservative in food packaging materials.

Function: Antioxidant, fat preservative
0.3 mg
Dataset exposure estimate
70 mg
ADI-derived reference (70 kg)
0.4%
of ADI (typical diet)

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
1.0 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇪🇺 EU: Authorized
🇺🇸 US: Approved
🇯🇵 JP: Restricted
🇦🇺 AU: Approved
🇨🇦 CA: Approved
⚠️ Key Concerns

IARC has classified BHA as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies — causes forestomach tumors in rodents. The US National Toxicology Program (NTP) listed BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." EFSA maintained authorization with low ADI of 1.0 mg/kg bw/day. California Proposition 65 lists BHA as a known carcinogen. Despite these classifications, FDA maintains GRAS status. Shows endocrine-disrupting properties in some studies. Being phased out by many food companies in favor of natural alternatives.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) an editorial context label of Questionable with a score of 3/10. This is 4.1 points below the database average for antioxidants (7.1/10). Dataset reference year: 2018. The dataset's population estimate equals about 0.4% of the listed ADI.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

ButterLardCerealsChewing gumSnack foodsInstant noodles
Example brands:
Kellogg'sNissinWrigley's

Always check the label for E320 or 'Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C11H16O2
Molecular Weight: 180.24 g/mol
CAS Number: 25013-16-5
INS Number: 320
Also known as: E320, INS 320, BHA, Butylated hydroxyanisole, tert-Butyl-4-methoxyphenol

Frequently Asked Questions about Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS; EFSA/EU — Authorized. Reported concerns: IARC has classified BHA as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies — causes forestomach tumors in rodents. The US National Toxicology Program (NTP) listed BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." EFSA maintained authorization with low ADI of 1.0 mg/kg bw/day. California Proposition 65 lists BHA as a known carcinogen. Despite these classifications, FDA maintains GRAS status. Shows endocrine-disrupting properties in some studies. Being phased out by many food companies in favor of natural alternatives. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E320
INS Number
320
Category
Antioxidants
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
GRAS
EFSA Status
Authorized
ADI
1.0 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2018
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

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