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Bha(E320)

Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary2 sources

Bha is a antioxidant — Antioxidant, preservative, stabilizer

Also: Butylated Hydroxyanisole

What it does

Antioxidant, preservative, stabilizer

Where you'll see it

Beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, baked goods, chewing gum, gelatin desserts, soup bases, potatoes, glaceed fruits, potato flakes, sweet potato flakes, dry breakfast cereals, dry yeast, dry mixes for desserts, lard, shortening, unsmoked dry sausage, edible oils, dried vegetables, cocoa products, processed meat, frozen pizza

What the research says

NTP concluded BHA is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. IARC: induced papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas of the forestomach in rats of both sexes. Affects liver and kidney functions. May trigger hyperactivity. Serious concerns over carcinogenicity and estrogenic effects. [metabolical] Synthetic preservative used to retard oxidation of fats. IARC classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen; California Prop 65 lists it as a known carcinogen. Animal studies show consistent tumor induction.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • EU: approved
  • Notes: ASP; banned in Japan; UK committees recommended banning in 1958 and 1983

Sources

  • Metabolical (Lustig) — Chapter 20: the International Agency for Research on Cancer categorizes BHA as a possible human carcinogen, and it's listed as a known carcinogen under California's Proposition 65
  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): BHA, however, is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals when administered in the diet