The Lab
Specimen No. 0067
AvoidSyntheticfood additivepreservative

BHA / BHT in Food

bha food · bht food · butylated hydroxyanisole food

Synthetic antioxidants added to oil-containing packaged foods to prevent rancidity. BHA is an IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen. Both are endocrine disruptors of concern.

high confidence
Researched April 18, 2026

Concerns

  • BHA: IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen
  • BHT: liver enzyme induction; some evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies [inference]
  • Endocrine-disrupting properties — both interfere with thyroid and sex hormones
  • California Prop 65 — BHA listed as a carcinogen

Regulatory flags

  • BHA: IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen
  • EU restricts BHA and BHT in food — max 0.1–0.2 g/kg fat content

Commonly found in

Breakfast cerealPotato chipsVegetable oilButterBeerMeat products

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

Check another ingredient

Search our database of scored cosmetic, food, and household ingredients — or scan a full product label.

Open the Ingredient Lab

Embed this verdict

LabelCleared verdict badge: BHA / BHT in Food — Avoid
<a href="https://labelcleared.com/lab/bha-bht-food"><img src="https://labelcleared.com/embed/bha-bht-food/badge.svg" alt="LabelCleared verdict badge: BHA / BHT in Food — Avoid" height="34"></a>