Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Score impact
-0.70
points/product
Description
E321, known as butylated hydroxytoluene or BHT, is a food additive in the antioxidant category. It is a synthetic phenolic compound produced industrially by reacting p-cresol with isobutylene in the presence of an acid catalyst.
It is a white or slightly yellowish crystalline solid, practically insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents and fats. Its main function is to prevent lipid oxidation, avoiding rancidity and extending the shelf life of foods. BHT was discovered in the 1940s and approved as a food additive in the European Union in the 1970s. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety several times, establishing an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.25 mg/kg body weight. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated it, confirming the same ADI.
Regarding overall safety assessment, BHT is considered safe at authorized levels, although there are controversies about possible carcinogenic effects in animal studies at very high doses. In the EU, its use is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, which sets maximum limits in different food categories. On labels, it must appear as "antioxidant: butylated hydroxytoluene" or "BHT".
E321 is mainly used in fat-rich foods to prevent oxidation. Authorized food categories include vegetable oils and fats, margarines, butters, bakery products, breakfast cereals, snacks, processed nuts, dehydrated soups, sauces, and processed meat products.
In the Spanish market, it is found in potato chips, cookies, breakfast cereals, margarines, and some sausages. Authorized limits vary by product: for example, in vegetable oils and fats the limit is 100 mg/kg, in breakfast cereals 200 mg/kg, and in snacks 200 mg/kg (expressed on fat basis). The US FDA also permits it with similar limits, while Japan restricts its use in some foods. Comparatively, the EU is more restrictive in certain categories.
Documented adverse effects of BHT are mainly based on animal studies at high doses. In rats, high doses (above 500 mg/kg/day) have been associated with liver and kidney toxicity, as well as an increased incidence of tumors in some studies. However, EFSA and WHO conclude that at permitted levels in foods (ADI 0.25 mg/kg/day) there is no evidence of adverse effects in humans.
The proposed biological mechanism for toxicity involves the formation of reactive metabolites that can cause oxidative stress at very high doses. Sensitive populations such as children or people with liver disease are not considered at risk with normal dietary exposure. No significant interactions with medications have been documented.
In summary, current evidence supports the safety of BHT at authorized use levels.
- BHT
- Butylated hydroxytoluene
- 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol
- Butylhydroxytoluene
- 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol
- Antocina BHT
- Antioxidant BHT
- Dibutylhydroxytoluene
- 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol
Products in our Spanish database containing this additive
Examples found in ComerClaro Spanish product database
Product names and supermarket data may appear in Spanish.
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