BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
Last reviewed October 18, 2026 · Evidence strength: Limited · How we grade evidence
In plain words: BHA is a preservative that keeps fats from going rancid. It caused tumors in animals at high doses, so a US government program lists it as "reasonably anticipated" to cause cancer in people, and FDA is reviewing it now. There's no direct human evidence of harm, but choosing products without BHA is an easy precaution.
Also listed on labels as: BHA, Butylated hydroxyanisole, E320
What is it, and why is it in food?
BHA is a synthetic antioxidant. It slows fats from going stale in meats, pizza toppings, sausages, snacks, cereals and gum.
What does the science say?
| The popular claim | "Synthetic preservatives BHA and BHT should be avoided." (Dr. Eric Berg) |
| Our verdict on that claim | Partly supported |
| Evidence strength | Limited: animal tumor studies and a US cancer listing; no human outcome data. |
| Kinds of studies | Animal studies, lab studies, regulatory reviews |
- Animals: BHA caused tumors in rodent forestomachs at high doses. The US National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" based on that animal evidence.1
- Lab studies: A 2024 review describes cell damage from BHA, TBHQ and propyl gallate at high doses in lab studies.2
- People: No human outcome data exist.
What do regulators say?
- FDA permits BHA within limits but listed it in its 2026 post-market chemical review plan.3
- EU: permitted (E320).
Who should be careful?
- No group has proven harm. Families who eat a lot of pepperoni pizza, sausages and processed snacks get the most.
How common is it in US foods?
In our check of USDA's Branded Foods database, 4,587 of 438,129 US packaged foods with an ingredient list name BHA (about 1.0%, or roughly 1 in 96).4 It shows up most often in: pizza (1,205); sausages, hotdogs & brats (428); pepperoni, salami & cold cuts (262); savoury bakery products (237); other deli (235). Pizza and sausage are the top sources in our data. These are label records companies sent to USDA, mostly in 2021 to 2023, so some products have changed since. Counts come from a text match of ingredient lists and are approximate.
Swaps and tips for families
- Compare pepperoni and sausage brands; many use rosemary extract or vitamin E (tocopherols) instead.
- Fresh meats and simply seasoned toppings skip it.
Beyond the plate: related non-food exposures
BHA is also used in cosmetics, lip products, chewing gum and food-packaging liners.
Frequently asked questions
Is BHA banned?
No. It's allowed in the US and EU, but FDA is reviewing it, and a US program lists it as reasonably anticipated to cause cancer based on animal studies.
What's the difference between BHA and BHT?
They're related preservatives. The case against BHA is stronger, based on animal tumors; BHT looks less concerning in safety reviews.
How do I avoid BHA?
Check labels on pepperoni, sausage, pizza and snacks. Many brands use vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or rosemary extract instead.
Related guides
Sources
Every source below was checked against PubMed, the publisher or the official page by our research team in October 2026.
- NTP Report on Carcinogens: BHA profile. Link
- Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl gallate as synthetic food antioxidants. Food science & nutrition, 2024. PubMed 39479655 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.4373
- FDA post-market chemical assessment: FY2026 work plan. Link
- FoodData Central, Branded Foods dataset (release 2026-04-30). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2026. Link
This guide is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. If you think you or your child reacted to a food, talk to a health professional. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 18, 2026. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].