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FDA Launches Safety Review of Food Preservative BHA Amid Health Concerns
Federal health officials announced Tuesday they will conduct a comprehensive safety reassessment of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a chemical preservative widely used in popular food products including potato chips, cereals, frozen meals, and processed meats.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a formal request for information regarding BHA, stating that the review “will consider whether BHA is safe under its current conditions of use in food and as a food contact substance.” This evaluation marks a significant step in the agency’s broader initiative to examine chemical additives present throughout the American food supply.
BHA has been on regulators’ radar for decades. The preservative received “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) status from the FDA in 1958 and was formally approved as a food additive in 1961. However, scientific understanding of the chemical has evolved considerably since then. In a concerning development, the National Toxicology Program classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” in 1991, raising questions about its continued widespread use.
“We are taking decisive action to ensure that chemicals in our food supply are not causing harm,” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in a statement accompanying the announcement.
The chemical has faced additional scrutiny at the state level. California listed BHA as a known carcinogen under its Proposition 65 consumer protection law in 1990, requiring warning labels on products containing the substance when sold in that state.
Consumer advocacy organizations have long voiced concerns about BHA’s potential health impacts. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has repeatedly urged consumers to avoid products containing the preservative, citing research showing that BHA caused cancer in laboratory animals including rats, mice, and hamsters.
The FDA identified BHA as a top priority for review in May as part of its strategic approach to evaluating food additives. While agency data indicates that usage of BHA has declined in recent years as food manufacturers respond to consumer demand for cleaner labels, the preservative remains present in numerous products, including foods specifically marketed to children.
This safety review comes amid growing consumer awareness and concerns about artificial ingredients and preservatives in the food supply. Many major food manufacturers have already begun reformulating products to remove controversial additives in response to shifting market preferences toward natural and minimally processed foods.
Food industry analysts suggest that a negative safety finding from the FDA could prompt significant reformulation efforts across multiple food categories. The preservative is valued in the industry for its ability to prevent rancidity and extend shelf life in foods containing fats and oils.
For consumers concerned about BHA exposure, the preservative must be listed on ingredient labels of packaged foods. It may appear as “BHA,” “butylated hydroxyanisole,” or E320 (its European designation).
The FDA has not announced a timeline for completing its safety evaluation, but similar reviews of food ingredients have typically taken 12-24 months to conclude. The agency has requested scientific data, research findings, and other relevant information from researchers, industry stakeholders, and the public as part of its assessment process.
The review represents part of the FDA’s modernized approach to food ingredient safety, acknowledging that scientific understanding of chemical substances evolves over time and that safety standards must be periodically reassessed based on current knowledge and research methodologies.
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12 Comments
Glad to see the FDA taking a closer look at BHA. As a preservative used in so many common snack foods, it’s crucial they get the safety assessment right.
Absolutely. The public deserves to have confidence that the chemicals in their food are safe, especially ones used so extensively.
This is an important step by the FDA to ensure the continued safety of BHA in our food supply. I’ll be interested to see what new information emerges from their comprehensive evaluation.
This FDA review of BHA is a responsible step. Preservatives should be regularly reevaluated as new evidence emerges. I’m interested to see the outcome of their comprehensive assessment.
It’s good to see the FDA examining the continued safety of BHA. As our scientific understanding evolves, it’s important that food additives are regularly reassessed.
Agreed. The public relies on the FDA to ensure the safety of our food supply, even for long-used ingredients like BHA.
This is an important review by the FDA. BHA has been used for decades, but its safety profile has evolved over time. I’m glad the agency is taking a comprehensive look at the current evidence.
Yes, regulators need to ensure chemicals like BHA are still safe for widespread use in the food supply. The science has advanced since it was first approved.
Interesting to see the FDA reassessing BHA, a common preservative. I’m curious to learn more about the health concerns that have been raised and how the agency will evaluate the risks versus benefits.
The National Toxicology Program’s classification of BHA as a potential carcinogen is certainly concerning. I hope the FDA’s review is thorough and transparent.
The FDA’s review of BHA is welcome news. With potential health concerns around this preservative, I hope their evaluation is rigorous and leads to appropriate regulatory action if needed.
The FDA’s review of BHA seems prudent given the evolving scientific understanding of this chemical additive. Food safety should be a top priority, even for widely used preservatives.