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Avoid / Concerns

Significant concerns; banned in some countries or classified as possible carcinogen

Safe
Avoid

Safety assessments compiled from FDA, EFSA, FSA, and 7 other regulatory agencies. This information is for educational purposes — consult a healthcare professional for dietary advice.

Avoid / Concerns
BHA (detailed)
EU +7 OK

BHA (detailed)

Antioxidant Avoid / Concerns 1 min read

Last reviewed: April 2026 · Data sourced from WHO JECFA, FDA, EFSA, and 7 other regulatory agencies

At a Glance

Safety Rating
Avoid / Concerns
Category
Antioxidant
E-Number
N/A
Banned Somewhere?
No
Controversy Level
Low

Quick Answer

BHA (detailed) is rated "Avoid / Concerns" according to current evidence. It is restricted in the EU and approved in the US. This additive is currently approved in all four major markets (US, EU, UK, Japan).

On This Page

What is BHA (detailed)?

Butylated Hydroxyanisole. In cereal, snack foods, chewing gum. IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). EU restricts more than US. California Prop 65 listed. NTP reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic

BHA (detailed) is classified as a Antioxidant additive. It is currently approved in all major regulatory markets.

Regulatory Status by Country

🇺🇸 US

Approved
Agency: FDA

Butylated Hydroxyanisole. In cereal, snack foods, chewing gum. IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). EU restricts more than US. California Prop 65 listed. NTP reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic

🇪🇺 EU

Approved (restricted, as E320)
Agency: EFSA

Butylated Hydroxyanisole. In cereal, snack foods, chewing gum. IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). EU restricts more than US. California Prop 65 listed. NTP reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic

🇬🇧 UK

Same as EU
Agency: FSA

Follows EU regulations

🇯🇵 Japan

Check MHLW
Agency: MHLW

🇨🇦 CA

Approved
Agency: Health Canada

Generally aligned with US FDA. Regulated by Health Canada.

🇦🇺 AU/NZ

Approved
Agency: FSANZ

Generally aligned with EU standards. Regulated by FSANZ.

🇮🇳 India

Approved
Agency: FSSAI

Widely approved internationally. Regulated by FSSAI.

🇰🇷 KR

Check MFDS
Agency: MFDS

Verify with South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

🇧🇷 Brazil

Approved
Agency: ANVISA

Generally aligned with Codex/US standards. Regulated by ANVISA.

🇨🇳 China

Approved
Agency: GB 2760

Permitted under GB 2760 national standard.

Note: Canada, Australia/NZ, India, South Korea, Brazil, and China statuses are inferred from international regulatory patterns. Always verify with the relevant national authority.

Expert Analysis

BHA (detailed) is classified as a antioxidant in the food additive regulatory framework. Significant safety concerns have been identified, and this additive is restricted or banned in multiple markets. This additive is approved across multiple major regulatory markets worldwide, suggesting broad scientific consensus on its safety profile. As with all food additives, moderation is key. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary advice.

Is BHA (detailed) safe?

BHA (detailed) has a safety rating of "Avoid / Concerns". Significant concerns; banned in some countries or classified as possible carcinogen

Is BHA (detailed) vegan?

BHA (detailed) is generally considered vegan-friendly, though sourcing may vary.

Is BHA (detailed) banned in Europe?

No, BHA (detailed) is Approved (restricted, as E320) in the EU.

What is BHA (detailed) made from?

Butylated Hydroxyanisole. In cereal, snack foods, chewing gum. IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). EU restricts more than US. California Prop 65 listed. NTP reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is BHA (detailed) safe?
BHA (detailed) has a safety rating of "Avoid / Concerns" based on regulatory data from 10 countries including the US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and more. Significant concerns; banned in some countries or classified as possible carcinogen Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Is BHA (detailed) banned in any country?
BHA (detailed) is currently approved in major markets including the US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and more, though specific regulations and permitted uses may vary between countries.
What is BHA (detailed) used for?
BHA (detailed) is a food additive in the "Antioxidant" category. Butylated Hydroxyanisole. In cereal, snack foods, chewing gum. IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). EU restricts more than US. California Prop 65 listed. NTP reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic

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Last updated: March 2026 · Regulatory data from FDA, EFSA, WHO JECFA

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