What Is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives

⚡ Quick Facts

E-NumberE321
FDA StatusFDA classifies BHT as GRAS at levels up to 0.02% of the fat content of food (21 CFR 182.3173).
EFSA StatusEFSA set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg body weight/day in 2012. Approved in the EU with restricted usage levels.
ADI0.25 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA, 2012)
SeverityModerate Risk (6/10)

What Is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?

A synthetic antioxidant structurally related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation of fats and oils in food, cosmetics, and petroleum products.

Mechanism of Action

Acts as a free radical scavenger by donating hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals. Metabolized by the liver through oxidation and conjugation. Animal studies show mixed results — some suggest tumor promotion, others show tumor inhibition depending on the model system.

Why People Avoid BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA

FDA classifies BHT as GRAS at levels up to 0.02% of the fat content of food (21 CFR 182.3173).

🇪🇺 EFSA

EFSA set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg body weight/day in 2012. Approved in the EU with restricted usage levels.

Regulatory Timeline

1954 First used as a food additive in the US
1958 FDA grants GRAS status
2012 EFSA sets ADI of 0.25 mg/kg/day
• Banned or restricted in some countries (Japan, Romania, Sweden, Australia — in certain applications)

Products Containing BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) (10 found)

#ProductBrandScore
1equate body wash—8/100
2SWEETENED CHOCOLATE FLAVORED RICE CEREAL, SWEETENED CHOCOLATEPost Consumer Brands, LLC23/100
3PEPPERONI FRENCH BREAD TOPPED WITH PIZZA SAUCE, MOZZARELLA CHEESE FRENCH BREAD SINGLES PIZZAS, PEPPERONIThe Schwan Food Company24/100
4Banquet Salisbury Steak with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Cinnamon Apple Dessert, Frozen Meal, 11.88 oz.Conagra Brands, Inc24/100
5Equate Complete MultivitaminEquate24/100
6Prenatal VitaminsCVS Health45/100
7MARSHMALLOW FLAVORED CEREAL WITH MARSHMALLOWS, MARSHMALLOWThe Kellogg Company 56/100
8TARGET STORE SUGAR COOKIE KIT, TARGET STORETarget Stores68/100
9MARKETSIDE, MEDIUM PEPPERONI PIZZAWal-Mart Stores, Inc.68/100
10GREAT VALUE, CRUNCHY HONEY OATS WITH ALMONDS CEREALWal-Mart Stores, Inc.68/100

Average safety score for products containing BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): 41/100

Safer Alternatives

✅
Vitamin E (tocopherols)
✅
Rosemary extract
✅
Ascorbyl palmitate

Scientific Sources

  1. EFSA (2012). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of butylated hydroxytoluene (E 321)
  2. Williams et al. (1999). The mechanisms of action of BHT as an anticarcinogen. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 37(2-3), 173-178

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
A synthetic antioxidant structurally related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation of fats and oils in food, cosmetics, and petroleum products.
Is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) safe?
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is FDA classifies BHT as GRAS at levels up to 0.02% of the fat content of food (21 CFR 182.3173).. EFSA set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg body weight/day in 2012. Approved in the EU with restricted usage leve.
Where is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) banned?
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is not currently banned in any major market according to our database.
What are alternatives to BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
Safer alternatives to BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) include: Vitamin E (tocopherols), Rosemary extract, Ascorbyl palmitate.
How can I avoid BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and suggest safer alternatives.
What foods contain BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is commonly found in: Cereal, Chewing gum, Potato flakes, Enriched rice, Shortening, Candy. Our database has flagged it in 10 products.
What are the side effects of BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
Concerns about BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) include: Mixed results in animal carcinogenicity studies; Low ADI compared to actual exposure levels; Restricted in several countries.
Is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) natural or artificial?
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): Acts as a free radical scavenger by donating hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals. Metabolized by the liver through oxidation and conjugation. Animal st.
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Compare BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

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⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht
MLA"What Is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht">What Is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026ingredientsbht, title = {What Is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }