Is Butylated Hydroxytoluene Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Butylated Hydroxytoluene is banned in 1 country/region (including Japan (banned for food use)), though the FDA still allows it in the US. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Butylated Hydroxytoluene on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Kellogg's Frosted Flakes (US), Various Kellogg's/Post cereals (US), Potato chips.
TL;DR: Butylated Hydroxytoluene is banned in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | — |
| Where it shows up | Kellogg's Frosted Flakes (US), Various Kellogg's/Post cereals (US), Potato chips, Vegetable oils, Chewing gum, Various snack foods |
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.
Why is Butylated Hydroxytoluene used in food?
BHT prevents oxidative rancidity in fats, oils, cereals, and fat-containing foods, extending shelf life. Effective at very low concentrations (0.02% of fat). Heat-stable and synergistic with BHA. Used in Kellogg's and Post cereals, among other products.
What regulators have flagged about 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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Butylated Hydroxytoluene with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Butylated Hydroxytoluene →
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Butylated Hydroxytoluene and pregnancy: common questions
Is Butylated Hydroxytoluene banned anywhere?
Yes. Butylated Hydroxytoluene is banned in Japan (banned for food use); restricted in European Union (ADI-based restrictions), United Kingdom, Australia. The FDA still allows it in the US.
Should I avoid Butylated Hydroxytoluene during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What foods contain Butylated Hydroxytoluene?
Commonly found in Kellogg's Frosted Flakes (US), Various Kellogg's/Post cereals (US), Potato chips, Vegetable oils, Chewing gum, Various snack foods. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Butylated Hydroxytoluene.
What can I use instead of Butylated Hydroxytoluene?
Mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E), rosemary extract, and ascorbyl palmitate effectively replace BHT in food and personal care products. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Butylated Hydroxytoluene or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
Sources
- NTP Carcinogenesis Studies of BHT (Technical Report 150) — NTP/NIH
- EFSA Scientific Opinion on BHT (E321) 2012 — EFSA
- AAP 2018 Policy on Food Additives — AAP
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.