Preservative · CAS 25013-16-5 · EU E320
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 2 out of 5 (Caution), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 2/5
- Caution
- GRAS
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole): composite 2/5 (Caution) with FDA GRAS and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 25013-16-5 | CAS Registry |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E320 | EU additive register |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 2 / 5 (Caution) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)?
Synthetic antioxidant used to prevent fats from going rancid.
Health Concerns
- Classified as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" by NTP.
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
Product-count (0) and safety-score (2/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 2/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) safe to consume?
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) scores 2/5 (Caution). FDA status is GRAS. Peer-reviewed flags sit behind the caution band. Check with a clinician for personal use.
What is BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) used for in food?
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is commonly used as: Cereal, chips, chewing gum, butter, lard. It belongs to the Preservative category of food additives.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)?
The FDA classifies BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E320). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole): Classified as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" by NTP.. These findings inform its safety score of 2/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.