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 Hydroxytoluene
E321 | INS 321
Names & Identifiers
- E Number
- E321
- INS Number
- 321
- CAS Number
- 128-37-0
- Scientific Name
- 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol
- Japanese Name
- ジブチルヒドロキシトルエン
- Also Known As
- BHT, E321, Dibutylhydroxytoluene
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: 321
Canada
Status: approved
What is Butylated Hydroxytoluene?
Classification
Function: antioxidant
Type: synthetic
Source: synthetic
How It's Made
Method: chemical synthesis
Synthesized by alkylation of p-cresol with isobutylene in the presence of an acid catalyst.
Uses Beyond Food
- Cosmetics: Widely used in lipsticks, moisturizers, and other cosmetics as an antioxidant.
- Pharmaceutical: Used in pharmaceutical preparations to prevent oxidation.
- Industrial: Used in jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, and electrical transformer oil.
- Household: Found in food packaging materials and some household products
Commonly Found In
Butylated Hydroxytoluene 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: 0.25 mg/kg bw/day
Evaluated: 2012
ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake (mg per kg of body weight per day)
Research & Official Documents
Official evaluations and scientific research:
Search research databases:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Butylated Hydroxytoluene (E321)?
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (E321) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is synthetic and synthetic. A synthetic antioxidant not found in nature, used to prevent oxidation in foods, cosmetics, and industrial products.
What is the ADI for Butylated Hydroxytoluene?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Butylated Hydroxytoluene is 0–0.25 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 Hydroxytoluene?
Butylated Hydroxytoluene is used in various food categories including Fat emulsions. It is used as a antioxidant in these products.
Is Butylated Hydroxytoluene the same as BHT?
Yes, Butylated Hydroxytoluene is also known as BHT, E321, Dibutylhydroxytoluene. These are different names for the same substance.
Related Additives
Other antioxidants in our database: