Additive
BHA
Antioxidant preservative that slows fats from going rancid.
Moderate concern · Limited evidence
Classified as a possible human carcinogen based on high-dose animal studies.
Consider limiting, or compare alternatives.
Reviewed Oct 2, 2026
Evidence and sources
IARC classifies BHA as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), and the US National Toxicology Program lists it as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Both are based on tumors in the forestomach of rats and hamsters fed high doses. FDA and EFSA permit BHA within set limits; in February 2026 FDA began reassessing whether it is still safe.
People don't have a forestomach, and how well these high-dose findings apply at food-use levels is debated. The amount in this product isn't declared.
Limited evidence · Presence only; amount unknown · General population
- IARC Monographs: butylated hydroxyanisole (Group 2B) and butylated hydroxytoluene (Group 3), International Agency for Research on Cancer
- 15th Report on Carcinogens: Butylated Hydroxyanisole, U.S. National Toxicology Program
- FDA Launches Assessment of BHA, a Common Food Chemical Preservative, U.S. Food and Drug Administration