What is the FDA reviewing about the food additive BHA?

The FDA is reassessing the safety of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a food additive used to prevent spoilage.

What are the concerns regarding BHA?

There are long-standing concerns that BHA might cause cancer in humans, supported by animal studies from the 1990s.

How is the FDA gathering information on BHA?

The FDA is requesting data from the public and industry on BHA's usage and safety as part of its review process.

Home / Health / FDA Eyes Ban on Common Food Additive BHA

FDA Eyes Ban on Common Food Additive BHA

10 Feb

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Summary

FDA launches safety review of BHA food additive.
BHA linked to cancer in animal studies since 1990s.
Agency seeks public input on BHA's safety and use.

FDA Eyes Ban on Common Food Additive BHA

The Food and Drug Administration has initiated a safety reassessment of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a widely used food additive. BHA, employed for decades to preserve fats and oils in processed items, is now under scrutiny due to potential carcinogenic effects. Federal programs identified BHA as potentially cancer-causing in humans based on animal studies conducted in the 1990s. California has listed it as a known carcinogen.

The agency is seeking public and industry data regarding BHA's application and safety. This move is part of a broader initiative to modernize food safety regulations and move away from past practices. Previously, similar reviews led to phased-out artificial dyes, with a focus shifting towards approved natural alternatives.

Experts acknowledge the challenges in translating animal study results to humans but welcome the FDA's proactive approach. The additive has been on watchlists for food safety advocates for a considerable time. This review marks a significant step in evaluating chemicals within the food supply.