Antioxidant · EU 321
Butylated Hydroxytoluene
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 Hydroxytoluene 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 Hydroxytoluene 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 Hydroxytoluene: no OFF product match; EU code 321 is the standout identifier.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 321 | 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 Hydroxytoluene?
Butylated Hydroxytoluene is a food additive (321) classified as antioxidant.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of butylated hydroxytoluene BHT -E 321- as a food additive. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Butylated Hydroxytoluene
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 Hydroxytoluene safe to consume?
Butylated Hydroxytoluene scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; EU additive code 321 is the standout identifier on this row.
What is Butylated Hydroxytoluene used for in food?
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (321) is catalogued for Oils, fats, processed foods, baked goods; treat uses as SAFFA class, not shelf count.
What health concerns are associated with Butylated Hydroxytoluene?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Butylated Hydroxytoluene: EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of butylated hydroxytoluene BHT -E 321- as a food additive. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.