What is Butylated hydroxyanisole – BHA (E320)?
Last updated on: 12/20/2025
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
7
/10
Moderate Concern
Generally safe when used within regulatory limits. Intake monitoring is advised for children and individuals with high intake of processed foods.
CTL SAFETY SCORE
A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic food preservative used as antioxidant. It prevents oxidation of fats and oils, thereby extending shelf life, maintaining flavour and stability in foods.
Safety Summary
- It is approved by all major regulatory bodies under specified limits, including FDA, WHO/JECFA, EFSA, and FSSAI.
- BHA is a heat-stable antioxidant that can withstand high temperatures and effectively protects fats and oils from oxidation.
- The WHO/JECFA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for BHA of 0–0.5 mg per kg of body weight per day.
- Most average dietary exposures are within the ADI, but high consumption of processed foods may increase exposure.
- BHA has a long history of controlled use in food preservation when applied within regulatory limits.
Who should be cautious?
Individuals with skin sensitivity (handling exposure); children with a high intake of processed foods, individuals consuming large quantities of fat-rich packaged foods.
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E320 |
|
INS Number : |
INS-320 |
|
Category : |
Preservative |
|
Sub-category : |
Antioxidant |
|
Origin : |
Synthetic (Chemically derived) |
|
Used In : |
Food |
|
Alternative Names : |
320, BHA |
|
Similar Ingredients : |
Butylated hydroxytoluene – BHT( E321), Tert-butylhydroquinone – TBHQ (E319) |
Common Products
You may find BHA primarily in fat-based food products such as:
- Vegetable oils and fats,
- Ghee,
- Lard, tallow, fish oil,
- Fat spread,
- Snacks – potato,
- Flour or starch based etc.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice) |
Limit varies by food category (total BHA and BHT) eg. Dry mixes for beverages and desserts 90ppm, Potato flakes 50 ppm etc. |
2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Group Average Daily intake(ADI): 1 mg/kg body weight per day, Use controlled through category-specific maximum permitted levels |
3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Maximum permitted levels vary by food category, eg. Fine Bakery ware 200 mg/kg, Chewing gum 400 mg/kg, pre-cooked pastas and noodles 200 mg/kg etc. |
Health concerns
- EFSA found no consumer safety concern when used under authorized levels. High-dose studies show irritation and sensitization risks for handlers.
- Positive genotoxicity signals were observed only at high doses, which were not relevant to dietary exposure.
- WHO/JECFA assessments note that in some dietary surveys, estimated intakes exceeded the ADI, particularly in populations with high consumption of processed, fat-rich foods.
- No acute toxicity concerns are associated with BHA at permitted use levels, but regulatory limits are important to control cumulative exposure.
-
The sensitivity group involves children with a high intake of processed foods and individuals consuming large quantities of fat-rich packaged foods.
- Because the ADI is body-weight based, children may reach higher exposure levels more quickly if such foods are consumed frequently.
Conclusions
Butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) is a synthetic antioxidant widely approved for use in food preservation. For most people, occasional intake within a balanced diet is not a concern; those consuming large amounts of processed foods may want to monitor intake.