Antioxidant · EU 320
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha)
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha) is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha) is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
E-number regulatory snapshot
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha): no OFF product match; EU code 320 is the standout identifier.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 320 | EU additive register |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Antioxidant | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | 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 Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha)?
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha) is a food additive (320) classified as antioxidant.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Statement on the safety assessment of the exposure to butylated ydroxyanisole E 320 -BHA- by applying a new exposure assessment methodology
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha)
Product-count (0) and safety-score (4/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 4/5 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 Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha) safe to consume?
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha) scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; EU additive code 320 is the standout identifier on this row.
What is Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha) used for in food?
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha) (320) is catalogued for Oils, fats, processed foods, baked goods; treat uses as SAFFA class, not shelf count.
What health concerns are associated with Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Butylated Hydroxyanisole (Bha): EFSA evaluation: Statement on the safety assessment of the exposure to butylated ydroxyanisole E 320 -BHA- by applying a new exposure assessment methodology. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.