BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

High Concern

Preservative / Antioxidant

Also known as

bhabutylated hydroxyanisolee320

The concern

IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen. The US National Toxicology Program lists BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." Banned in food in Japan; restricted in the EU.

Read the source: IARC / NTP

What to look for on labels

This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
bha
butylated hydroxyanisole
e320

Learn more

Read the full evidence directly from the authoritative source.

View source: IARC / NTP

Other preservative / antioxidants to know about

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

MEDIUM

EWG rates BHT with high concern for cancer.

Propyl Gallate

MEDIUM

Antioxidant preservative suspected of endocrine disruption.

Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.

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