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E320Avoid

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

Group: Antioxidants · in the book

Harm level5 of 5Avoid

In plain words

BHA is a synthetic antioxidant that keeps fats from going rancid. You may meet it in some chewing gum, fats, soup mixes and meat products, though EU use is restricted.

Where you find it: biscuits, crisps, chewing gum, baking fats

Our recommendation

We recommend avoiding it in future; pregnant women and children in particular should be careful.

Possible risks and effects

  • Possible human carcinogen (IARC 2B) based on animal studies.
  • Possible endocrine effects – evidence is uncertain.

For experts

A mixture of tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole isomers. IARC classifies it as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) based on forestomach tumours in rodents, whose relevance to humans is debated. EFSA re-evaluated it in 2011 and set an ADI of 1.0 mg/kg body weight per day; possible endocrine activity is also being studied.

Check another E-number

More from this group

E319TBHQ (tert-butylhydroquinone)E321BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)E310Propyl gallateE385Calcium disodium EDTAE300Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)E301Sodium ascorbateE304Ascorbyl palmitateE306Tocopherols (vitamin E)

This information is educational and based on EFSA assessments and available studies; it does not replace medical advice. With allergies, intolerances or illness, follow your doctor’s advice.