Butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA has substantial animal evidence but limited evidence of harm from ordinary human food intake. High dietary doses caused tumors in the forestomach, an organ humans lack, in several rodent species. NTP retains a cancer-hazard listing; EFSA questioned how those tumors apply to people and set a daily intake limit using other animal effects. A 2026 European cosmetics assessment also questioned the human relevance of these tumors and found the hormone-disruption evidence insufficiently robust.

Its safety conclusion applies to skin products, not food. One older human study found no significant stomach-cancer association at low estimated intakes, and a small ten-day feeding study found no measured biochemical harm; neither settles long-term safety. A small rat study reported organ changes at a low printed dose, while a newer short rat experiment and a 2025 gut-microbe study were more reassuring. Food and packaging together can increase exposure, but older estimates relied on assumptions likely to overstate actual intake.

FDA is reassessing BHA while existing US permissions remain. Texas restricts BHA in specified school meals under contracts starting or renewed from September 2026. Animal findings warrant attention, with substantial uncertainty about their relevance at dietary exposure.

Research reviewed on September 5, 2026 · 12 sources