FDA Status
GRAS
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) (E320), CAS 25013-16-5, is a preservative additive holding a composite safety score of 2 out of 5 (Caution). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as GRAS, while the European Union lists it as Approved. It is most commonly used as Cereal, chips, chewing gum, butter, lard.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2012-07-24. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E320 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 25013-16-5 | CAS Registry |
| 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.
2.0 / 5
Composite Safety Caution
Safety Score: 2 out of 5
Safety Rating 40.0%
EU Status
Approved
E320
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) receives a safety score of 2/5 (Caution) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA classifies BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), meaning qualified experts consider it safe under intended conditions of use.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole). Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
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
Cereal, chips, chewing gum, butter, lard
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) safe to consume?
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) has a safety score of 2/5 (Caution). Scientific studies have raised health concerns. Check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
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.
Is BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole). However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
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 FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
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.
How is the safety score for BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) calculated?
The safety score of 2/5 for BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
Explore PlainIngredients
Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Preservative Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial