Butylated Hydroxytoluene vs Propyl Gallate: which is worse?
Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Butylated Hydroxytoluene is — in the EU and — in the US; Propyl Gallate is — in the EU and — in the US.
| Property | Butylated Hydroxytoluene | Propyl Gallate |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | — | — |
| US status | — | — |
| Risk level | — | — |
| Banned in | Japan (banned for food use) | Japan (banned for food use) |
| Restricted in | European Union (ADI-based restrictions), United Kingdom, Australia | European Union (restricted to 200 mg/kg in specific fat/oil applications), United Kingdom, Australia |
| Category | additive | additive |
| Where it hides | — | — |
What is Butylated Hydroxytoluene?
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant preservative derived from petroleum. A white crystalline solid with formula C15H24O, it prevents fat oxidation in processed foods, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Often used synergistically with BHA.
What is Propyl Gallate?
Propyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant preservative derived from gallic acid and propanol. It prevents oxidation of fats and oils, extending shelf life of fat-containing foods. It is often used in combination with BHA and BHT for synergistic antioxidant effect. Chemical formula: C10H12O5.
Documented risks
Butylated Hydroxytoluene: BHT has complex, bidirectional carcinogenicity data — some NTP bioassays found liver tumors in female mice at high doses, while other studies suggested BHT might inhibit cancer initiation. IARC has not formally classified BHT due to conflicting evidence. A 2017 study linked BHT to thyroid hormone disruption in female rats. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2018) recommended reducing synthetic preservative exposure including BHT in children. Kellogg's uses vitamin E in European versions of cereals that contain BHT in US versions — a commercially meaningful substitution.
Propyl Gallate: Animal studies have shown propyl gallate may cause liver damage at high doses. Concerns about estrogenic activity have been raised — some studies suggest propyl gallate may weakly mimic estrogen. Contact dermatitis and allergic reactions are documented in both food and cosmetic applications. Japan banned propyl gallate for food use as part of its precautionary approach to synthetic food preservatives. NTP bioassays found dose-dependent liver effects. EFSA's re-evaluation set an ADI of 0.1 mg/kg body weight — one of the lowest ADIs for food additives, reflecting toxicological concern.
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