BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) Side Effects

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is a preservative / antioxidant with 3 high-severity side effects. Found in 5 products in our database. FDA GRAS at low levels, despite NTP carcinogen classification.

5
Known Side Effects
5
Products Contain It
3
High Severity
4
Safer Alternatives

What Is BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)?

BHA is a synthetic antioxidant preservative classified as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' by the US National Toxicology Program, yet it remains FDA-approved in food.

Also known as:
Butylated HydroxyanisoleE320

Known Side Effects

High Risk Reasonably anticipated human carcinogen (US NTP)
High Risk Endocrine disruption
High Risk Stomach tumors in animal studies
Moderate Liver and kidney damage
Low Behavioral effects

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA Status

FDA GRAS at low levels, despite NTP carcinogen classification.

🇪🇺 EU Status

Restricted in many applications. Banned in Japan.

Scientific References

  1. US National Toxicology Program — classified as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen'
  2. IARC Group 2B classification
  3. Multiple animal studies showing forestomach tumors

Products Containing BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) (5 found)

These products were found to contain bha (butylated hydroxyanisole) or its variants in our database of 26,000+ grocery products.

#ProductBrandScore
1ULTIMATE MEAT MILD ITALIAN SAUSAGE, PREMIUM SLICED PEPPERONI, SEASONED BEEF CRUMBLES, SLICED BEEF STEAK, AND SMOKY BACON TRADITIONAL CRUST MEDIUM PIZZA, ULTIMATE MEATWal-Mart Stores, Inc.2/100
2PEPPERONI FRENCH BREAD TOPPED WITH PIZZA SAUCE, MOZZARELLA CHEESE FRENCH BREAD SINGLES PIZZAS, PEPPERONIThe Schwan Food Company24/100
3COUNTRY FRIED BEEF STEAK WITH SIGNATURE, HOMESTYLE MASHED POTATOES & COUNTRY-STYLE GRAVY, COUNTRY FRIED BEEF STEAKOverhill Farms, Inc.24/100
4MARKETSIDE, MEDIUM PEPPERONI PIZZAWal-Mart Stores, Inc.68/100
5SAM'S CHOICE, PERSONAL DOUBLE PEPPERONI PIZZAWal-Mart Stores, Inc.68/100

Safer Alternatives to BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

Rosemary extractVitamin E (tocopherols)Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)Green tea extract
📬

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of BHA?
BHA is classified as a 'reasonably anticipated human carcinogen' by the NTP. It has been linked to stomach tumors, endocrine disruption, and liver/kidney damage in animal studies.
Is BHA a carcinogen?
Yes — the US National Toxicology Program classifies BHA as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.' Despite this, the FDA still allows it in food.

⚕️ Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Side effect data is compiled from published scientific studies and regulatory assessments. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Last updated: 2026-03-05.

Other Ingredient Side Effects

Red 40 (Allura Red AC) Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) Red 3 (Erythrosine) Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine) Aspartame Sucralose Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) All Ingredient Side Effects Banned in Europe Ingredient Encyclopedia
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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/side-effects/bha
MLA"BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/side-effects/bha.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/side-effects/bha">BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026sideeffectsbha, title = {BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/side-effects/bha}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }