Is BHA Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: BHA is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (processing aids).
CAS 25013-16-5.
Other names: butylated hydroxyanisole, E320
Is BHA banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | chips, cereal, preserved meats, gum |
| CAS number | 25013-16-5 |
What is BHA?
BHA is a synthetic antioxidant preservative for fats and oils.
Why is BHA used in food?
It is used to bleach, preserve, color or process food more cheaply at industrial scale.
Is BHA dangerous? Documented risks
Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen (US NTP); restricted in the EU and banned in some countries.
Common US products containing BHA
How to avoid BHA: safer alternatives
Choose minimally processed and EU-imported foods, read labels for these additives, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag them.
Frequently asked questions about BHA
Is BHA banned in the EU?
Yes — BHA is restricted in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is BHA allowed in the US?
BHA is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is BHA a concern?
Independent reviews flag BHA for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid BHA?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag BHA instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains BHA or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related processing aids
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- Banned ingredients in other countries — Food Revolution Network
- EFSA food additives — EFSA
- FDA Food Additives — U.S. FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.