Disclaimer: This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and may change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole
E320 | INS 320
Names & Identifiers
- E Number
- E320
- INS Number
- 320
- CAS Number
- 25013-16-5
- Scientific Name
- tert-Butyl-4-methoxyphenol
- Japanese Name
- ブチルヒドロキシアニソール
- Also Known As
- BHA, E320
Regulation Status by Country
European Union
Status: approved | Max level: varies by food category mg/kg
Restricted use; maximum levels typically 100-200 mg/kg
United States
Status: approved | GRAS
Limited to specified levels in specific foods
Japan
Status: approved | Category: 指定添加物
Australia / New Zealand
Status: approved | Code: 320
Canada
Status: approved
What is Butylated Hydroxyanisole?
Classification
Function: antioxidant
Type: synthetic
Source: synthetic
How It's Made
Method: chemical synthesis
Synthesized by alkylation of 4-methoxyphenol (p-anisole) with isobutylene in the presence of an acid catalyst.
Uses Beyond Food
- Cosmetics: Used in lipsticks and moisturizers as an antioxidant.
- Pharmaceutical: Used in pharmaceutical preparations to prevent oxidation.
- Industrial: Used in petroleum products, rubber, and plastics as a stabilizer.
- Household: Found in some food packaging materials
Commonly Found In
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is typically used in:
Note: This list shows typical product categories and may vary by brand and region. Always check product labels for actual ingredients.
Safety Evaluations (Official)
EFSA (EU)
ADI: 0.5 mg/kg bw/day
Evaluated: 2011
ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake (mg per kg of body weight per day)
Research & Official Documents
Official evaluations and scientific research:
Search research databases:
Regulatory History
View Full Timeline →Key regulatory events and safety evaluations over time.
FDA approved BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) as antioxidant for food preservation.
Japanese studies found BHA caused tumors in forestomach of rats at high doses, raising safety concerns.
IARC classified BHA as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B) based on animal studies.
JECFA concluded forestomach tumors in rats are not relevant to humans (humans lack forestomach). Maintained ADI of 0-0.5 mg/kg bw/day.
FDA reviewed BHA safety following IARC classification, concluded available evidence supports continued safe use within regulated limits.
EFSA re-evaluated BHA (E320), concluded ADI of 0.5 mg/kg bw/day is protective and BHA is safe at current use levels.
California added BHA to Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer, requiring warning labels on products sold in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Butylated Hydroxyanisole (E320)?
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (E320) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is synthetic and synthetic. A synthetic antioxidant not found in nature, used to prevent rancidity in fats and oils.
What is the ADI for Butylated Hydroxyanisole?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Butylated Hydroxyanisole is 0–0.5 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
What foods contain Butylated Hydroxyanisole?
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is used in various food categories including Fat emulsions. It is used as a antioxidant in these products.
Is Butylated Hydroxyanisole the same as BHA?
Yes, Butylated Hydroxyanisole is also known as BHA, E320. These are different names for the same substance.
Related Additives
Other antioxidants in our database: