❌ Safety Verdict: Avoid (Possible Carcinogen)
E320 (BHA) is classified as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" by the US National Toxicology Program. Animal studies consistently show tumours. Banned in Japan and restricted in many countries. Avoid when possible.
🚨 Classified as Possible Carcinogen
US National Toxicology Program: BHA is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen"
IARC (WHO): Group 2B – "Possibly carcinogenic to humans"
- Animal studies show forestomach, liver, and thyroid tumours
- Banned in Japan
- Banned in infant food in the EU
- Many manufacturers phasing it out
What is E320 (BHA)?
E320 is Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), a synthetic antioxidant made from petroleum.
How it works:
- Prevents fat oxidation (stops fats going rancid)
- Extends shelf life of fatty foods
- Synthetic compound – does not occur naturally
Why it's used:
- Cheap and effective preservative
- Prevents off-flavours in processed foods
- Heat stable – survives baking and frying
- Often combined with E321 (BHT) for synergistic effect
Where is E320 Found?
Breakfast Cereals & Snacks:
- Cereal (especially those with nuts or added fats)
- Cereal bars
- Crisps and chips
- Crackers
Processed Meats:
- Sausages
- Bacon
- Dried meat snacks
Baked Goods:
- Shortbread and biscuits
- Pastries
- Cake mixes
Other Foods:
- Chewing gum
- Instant noodles
- Vegetable oils
- Soup mixes
Non-Food Uses:
- Cosmetics and skincare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Animal feed
- Packaging materials (to prevent oxidation)
Health Concerns
1. Cancer Risk (Strong Evidence)
The evidence for cancer risk is substantial:
- US National Toxicology Program (NTP): Listed BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" in 2011
- IARC (WHO): Classified as Group 2B – "Possibly carcinogenic to humans"
- Animal studies consistently show tumours:
- Forestomach tumours (rats and mice)
- Liver tumours
- Thyroid tumours
- Mechanism: BHA causes oxidative stress and DNA damage in cells
Human evidence: While direct human studies are limited, the animal evidence is strong enough for precautionary classification.
2. Endocrine Disruption
BHA interferes with hormone systems:
- Thyroid hormone disruption – linked to thyroid tumours in animals
- Reproductive hormone effects
- Concern for children's development
3. Liver and Kidney Damage
- High doses caused liver enlargement and damage in animals
- May affect kidney function
- Accumulates in body fat over time
4. Allergic Reactions
Some people experience reactions to BHA:
- Skin rashes and hives
- Asthma symptoms
- Eczema flare-ups
Why is BHA Banned in Japan?
Japan banned E320 in food due to:
- Strong animal evidence of cancer
- International classification as possible carcinogen
- Availability of safer alternatives (vitamin E, rosemary extract)
- Precautionary principle – protecting public health
EU Restrictions
The European Union:
- Banned in infant food (under 6 months)
- Allowed in other foods but with strict limits
- Many EU manufacturers voluntarily phasing it out
- Consumer pressure driving reformulation
BHA vs BHT (E321)
Both are controversial synthetic antioxidants:
- BHA (E320) more carcinogenic – stronger cancer classification
- BHT (E321) also controversial but less clear evidence
- Often used together in food products
- Both should be avoided when possible
Regulatory Status
UK/EU: Approved with ADI of 0.5mg per kg body weight. Banned in infant food.
US: FDA "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) – highly controversial status given NTP classification
Japan: Banned in food
Australia: Permitted but with consumer warnings
Who Should Avoid E320?
❌ Everyone Should Avoid (Especially):
- Infants and young children – banned in baby food for good reason
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women – endocrine disruption concerns
- People with cancer history – possible tumour promoter
- People with liver or kidney disease
- Those with thyroid issues
⚠️ General Recommendation:
- All consumers – classified as possible carcinogen by WHO and NTP
Natural Alternatives
Many manufacturers now use safer antioxidants:
- Vitamin E (E306-309) – natural, safe, effective
- Rosemary extract (E392) – natural antioxidant
- Ascorbic acid (E300) – vitamin C, safe
- Mixed tocopherols – vitamin E forms
- Green tea extract – natural antioxidant
The Bottom Line
- ❌ "Possibly carcinogenic to humans" – IARC (WHO)
- ❌ "Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" – US NTP
- ❌ Banned in Japan
- ❌ Banned in infant food (EU)
- ⚠️ Forestomach, liver, thyroid tumours in animals
- ⚠️ Endocrine disruption – hormone effects
- ⚠️ Liver and kidney damage at high doses
- ✅ Many brands phasing it out – consumer awareness
Our recommendation: Avoid E320 (BHA). The international classification as a possible carcinogen, ban in Japan, restriction in EU infant food, and availability of safer alternatives (vitamin E, rosemary extract) make this an easy choice. Choose products with natural antioxidants instead.
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Last updated: February 2026