BHA

About

What to know

Butylated hydroxyanisole (E320); a synthetic phenolic antioxidant that prevents rancidity in fats, oils, and fat-containing processed foods. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) based on animal studies; it remains permitted in small amounts by FDA and many other regulators. Considered safe at typical food levels, though some consumers prefer to avoid it.