LabelGuard
Sign InGet Started
Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 BHA and BHT on Food Labels in US

BHA and BHT is permitted with proper declaration in United States: declare as "BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)" in the ingredient list.

Check My Label for US CompliancePaste Ingredients List
What the Rule Is

Synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to prevent rancidity in fats, oils, and fat-containing foods. In United States, BHA and BHT is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food preservative. FDA GRAS for both (21 CFR 182.3169 and 182.3173) at up to 0.02% of fat/oil content. Must be declared in ingredient list by both abbreviation and full name. NTP has listed BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" — but FDA GRAS status stands.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "preservative" and E-number E320/E321
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify BHA and BHT
  • Omitting the E-number E320/E321 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden BHA and BHT content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"preservative: BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)"
"BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (BHT, E320) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "BHA and BHT" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for BHA and BHT and all its common names (BHA, BHT, E320, E321) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under US rules.

Start Your Compliance Check
Frequently Asked Questions

How must BHA and BHT be declared on food labels in US?

Declare as "BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)" in the ingredient list. FDA GRAS for both (21 CFR 182.3169 and 182.3173) at up to 0.02% of fat/oil content. Must be declared in ingredient list by both abbreviation and full name. NTP has listed BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" — but FDA GRAS status stands.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of BHA and BHT?

BHA and BHT may appear under the following names: BHA, BHT, E320, E321, Butylated hydroxyanisole, Butylated hydroxytoluene. Common hidden sources include: Crackers, Cereals, Potato chips, Vegetable oils, Chewing gum, Nuts, Frozen convenience foods.

Is BHA and BHT banned or restricted in any market?

Restricted with maximum levels in: EU, UK.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

Ensure US Compliance

Get your label checked against all US regulations in seconds.

  • AI-powered compliance check
  • 200+ regulatory checks
  • Detailed violation reports
  • Fix suggestions included
Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

Related Resources
US Compliance Hub

Explore all US labeling requirements in one place.

View US Hub

Ready to Ensure Full US Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all FDCA & FSMA requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Start Your First Check - $29View Pricing Plans

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide