Butylated hydroxyanisole

What this is

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant added to foods to prevent fats and oils from turning rancid. It appears in various processed foods – for example, some dry cereals, snack products, baked goods, and preserved meat items – including ingredients used in fast-food meals. BHA helps extend shelf life by guarding against spoilage, but high doses have caused cancer in laboratory animals. Consequently, BHA is considered “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by expert agencies. There are also concerns that it may affect hormone function (acting as an endocrine disruptor). Although BHA is allowed in the U.S. in small amounts, its safety is debated, and it has been flagged for caution.

Critical Endpoints

The key endpoints experts review in safety assessments (critical endpoints). This is not a prediction of harm.