Not yet banned in the U.S., the chemicals butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA, and butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, can be found in food and cosmetics sold in stores near you.
BHA and BHT are synthetic substances used to stabilize flavors, extend shelf life and enhance color in a wide range of products – from Quaker Oats Cap’n Crunch cereals to Estée Lauder moisturizing serums.
Since 1958, the Food and Drug Administration has categorized BHA as “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS. It gave BHT the GRAS label in 1959. This approval has allowed the widespread use of both additives, with a maximum concentration in products of 0.02 percent.
Despite their GRAS status, BHA and BHT are associated with potential health risks, especially when consumed or applied in high doses. Prolonged exposure has been linked to health harms like reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption and cancer.
BHA
For more than three decades, the National Toxicology Program has classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” with prolonged exposure.
Often added to food packaging materials, beverages and bulk oils, BHA can lead to tumor development, potentially increasing cancer risks among humans, according to studies.
When metabolized in the body, BHA induces oxidative stress and DNA damage, leading to cell mutations that develop cancerous tumor formation.
The European Union classifies BHA as a suspected endocrine-disrupting compound. Animal studies show the chemical binds to hormone receptors and interferes with hormone systems, harming reproductive organs and fetal development.
BHT
BHT is not classified as a human carcinogen. However, evidence from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists suggests that it is a human respiratory irritant.
A final report reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that BHT exposure in animal feeding studies was associated with harm to the liver and kidneys, and in other studies linked to development of liver and lung tumors. Skin exposure was associated with skin irritation and harm to lung tissue. While these effects are present with high doses, low-level exposure over time may result in similar health harms. Additional studies support the potential for BHT to harm the liver and kidneys.
The future of BHA and BHT
With growing public awareness of the two chemicals’ potential risks, U.S. lawmakers are starting to introduce legislation to restrict or ban the use of additives like BHA and BHT in manufactured products.
Some states are also stepping up. The 2023 California Food Safety Act banned four harmful food additives, launching a national conversation about additives in processed foods. Last year, the California School Food Safety Act banned six artificial food dyes from being served in public schools.
Since then, scores of other state ban bills have been introduced to address concerns about the harmful effects of food chemicals. Lawmakers in Florida and Texas, among other states, are including BHA and BHT bans in their legislative proposals.
The FDA expressed concerns about BHA in 1978. But despite increased attention from states on BHA’s safety, the FDA hasn’t formally reviewed the chemical since the GRAS designation.
In reorganizing its food program and assessing active chemicals on the market, the FDA faces mounting pressure to reevaluate the safety of additives in the interest of public health.
What you can do
Small steps can make a big difference when choosing products that are safer for public health and the environment. Ingredients like BHA and BHT are common in food, cosmetics and household items – but reducing your exposure is possible:
Check labels and avoid products that list BHA and BHT as ingredients
Become a more informed shopper and take time to read the ingredient labels on packaged products. If you see additives like BHA or BHT listed, consider choosing an alternative.
Support policy changes and raise awareness
Contact local representatives and support state bills to ban harmful food chemicals, by attending community hearings, signing petitions or sending emails to your state legislators, lawmakers may be encouraged to regulate harmful additives.
Follow the status of active food bills in your state using EWG’s interactive Food Bill Tracker.
