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Butylated Hydroxyanisole

Butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA, is an antioxidant used to slow rancidity in fats and oils.

Butylated hydroxyanisoleantioxidant / preservative3 official sourcesReviewed 6/19/2026
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Butylated hydroxyanisole structure
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons

BHA structure reference image from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons.

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Safety context

Limit or avoid for some people

BHA is a review signal for shoppers who limit synthetic antioxidants or eat a product often. Product category, allowed use and personal preference should be checked.

Some people may choose to limit it based on preference, sensitivity, clinician advice or product context.

Label recognition

bhabutylated hydroxyanisolee320

Likely food context

CerealsSnack foodsShorteningPackaged baked goods

Source depth

4

3 official references plus 1 editorial cross-check.

Overview

What Butylated Hydroxyanisole does in packaged food

BHA is a synthetic antioxidant that can appear in snack foods, cereals, fats and packaged products with oils. Eatibo flags it for people who prefer fewer synthetic antioxidants or want to compare frequently eaten packaged foods.

Why it is used

  • Slowing fat oxidation
  • Protecting flavor
  • Supporting shelf life

Technical effect

  • ANTIOXIDANT

Names to watch for

  • BHA
  • E320

How Eatibo reads it

Review the additive inside the full ingredient list

Match label terms and aliases.Check product type and frequency.Compare nearby additives, sweeteners, colors or preservatives.

References

Official and editorial sources

FDAFDA Substances Added to Food inventoryFDAFDA Food Additive Status ListeCFR21 CFR food additive regulationsWikipediaButylated hydroxyanisole overview

FAQ

Quick answers about Butylated Hydroxyanisole

What does BHA do in packaged food?

It helps slow oxidation in fats and oils, which can protect flavor and shelf life.

Why does Eatibo rate BHA as limit or avoid for some?

Some users prefer to limit synthetic antioxidants, especially in products they eat frequently.

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BHA: Uses, Safety Context, and Label Names | Eatibo