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Ingredient · Preservative

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Mixed · 4/10, higher is cleaner

E-number E321

How we reached this

EFSA reaffirmed ADI 0.25 mg/kg/day 2012. Banned in some EU countries for direct food use. Carcinogenicity contested.

Sources · 2

Regulatory position

European UnionPermitted with ADI 0.25 mg/kg/day (E321)
United StatesGRAS / Permitted (21 CFR 172.115)
NotesEFSA 2012 reaffirmation. US use less restricted than EU's specific-application authorization. | EFSA 2012 reaffirmation. US use less restricted than EU's specific-application authorization.

Also listed as

BHTE321butylated hydroxytoluene

Products containing this · 3

About this rating

Ratings run 1–10, higher is cleaner, and are set editorially against the sources above — see the methodology page for how an ingredient rating becomes part of a product score. Last reviewed 2026-05-23.