Food additives database

Is It Safe? Side Effects & Regulation

Sort food additives by:



Category: Antioxidants & acidity regulators

  • E320 – Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

    E320 – Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

    Butylated hydroxyanisole (E320, BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant used to protect fats and oils from rancidity. It is permitted in the EU with an ADI of 1.0 mg/kg bw/day and allowed in the US for specified uses, but mechanistic and high‑dose animal data raise endocrine and tumor concerns. We grade it ORANGE — Some Concerns.

  • E321 – Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

    E321 – Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

    Butylated hydroxytoluene (E321, BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant used to stabilize fats and oils. EFSA set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg bw/day in 2012. While permitted in the EU and US, mechanistic and high‑dose animal data suggest endocrine, hepatic, and tumor‑promotion effects, so we grade it ORANGE — Some Concerns.