Preservative · CAS 128-37-0 · EU E321
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) 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 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- GRAS
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): composite 3/5 (Mixed Evidence) with FDA GRAS and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 128-37-0 | CAS Registry |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E321 | EU additive register |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | 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 BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
Synthetic antioxidant similar to BHA.
Health Concerns
- Mixed evidence. Some studies show tumor promotion.
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Product-count (0) and safety-score (3/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 3/5 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 BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) safe to consume?
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is GRAS. The mixed-evidence band means federal approval and remaining open questions coexist, read the health-concern and state-action rows before treating the score as a green light.
What is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) used for in food?
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is commonly used as: Cereal, snack foods, packaging materials. It belongs to the Preservative category of food additives.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
The FDA classifies BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E321). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): Mixed evidence. Some studies show tumor promotion.. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.