E321

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Synthetic Antioxidant with Cancer Concerns

What is E321 (BHT)?

E321 is Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), a synthetic antioxidant made from petroleum.

How it works:

• Prevents fats from going rancid (oxidation)
• Extends shelf life in fatty foods
• Synthetic compound – doesn't occur naturally

Why it's used:

• Cheap and effective fat preservative
• Prevents off-flavours in processed foods
• Heat stable – works in baked goods
• Prevents vitamin degradation

Where is E321 Found?

Breakfast Cereals:

• Cereal (especially those with added vitamins)
• Muesli bars
• Granola

Snacks:

• Crisps and chips
• Nuts (to prevent rancidity)
• Crackers

Processed Meats:

• Sausages
• Dried meat snacks

Baked Goods & Confectionery:

• Shortbread and biscuits
• Chewing gum
• Cake mixes

Other Foods:

• Soup mixes
• Instant noodles
• Vegetable oils

Non-Food Uses:

• Cosmetics and skincare
• Pharmaceuticals
• Animal feed

Health Concerns

1. Cancer Risk (Conflicting Studies)

The evidence is mixed and controversial:

Studies suggesting harm:

• Some animal studies showed liver and stomach tumours at high doses
• May act as a "tumour promoter" – doesn't cause cancer but may accelerate existing tumours
• Particularly concerning for forestomach tumours in rats

Studies suggesting benefit:

• Other studies show BHT may prevent certain cancers (antioxidant effect)
• May protect against lung cancer in some animal models

Overall: The conflicting evidence makes BHT controversial. Many scientists recommend precautionary avoidance.

2. Endocrine Disruption

BHT may interfere with hormone systems:

• Potential thyroid hormone disruption
• May affect reproductive hormones
• Concern for children's development

3. Liver and Kidney Effects

• High doses caused liver enlargement in animals
• May affect kidney function
• Long-term effects in humans unclear

4. Allergic Reactions

Some people experience reactions to BHT:

• Skin rashes and hives
• Asthma symptoms
• Eczema flare-ups

Why is BHT Banned in Japan?

Japan banned E321 in food due to:

• Cancer concerns from animal studies
• Availability of safer alternatives (vitamin E, rosemary extract)
• Precautionary principle – better safe than sorry

BHT vs BHA (E320)

BHT is often used alongside BHA (E320) – another controversial antioxidant:

• Both synthetic antioxidants
• Similar cancer concerns
• Often combined for synergistic effect
• E320 (BHA) considered more carcinogenic by some agencies

Regulatory Status

UK/EU: Approved with ADI of 0.25mg per kg body weight (relatively low, suggesting caution)

US: FDA "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) – controversial status

Japan: Banned in food

Australia: Restricted – only allowed in certain foods at low levels

Who Should Avoid E321?

❌ Must Avoid:

• Young children – endocrine disruption concerns
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women – hormone effects
• People with liver or kidney disease
• Known allergy to BHT

⚠️ Consider Limiting:

• Anyone avoiding synthetic additives
• People with cancer history – precautionary
• Those with thyroid issues

Natural Alternatives

Many manufacturers now use safer antioxidants:

• Vitamin E (E306-309) – natural, safe
• Rosemary extract (E392) – natural antioxidant
• Ascorbic acid (E300) – vitamin C, safe
• Mixed tocopherols – vitamin E forms

The Bottom Line

• ⚠️ Controversial safety profile – conflicting cancer studies
• ❌ Banned in Japan
• ⚠️ Restricted in Australia
• ⚠️ May promote tumours (animal studies)
• ⚠️ Endocrine disruption concerns – hormone effects
• ⚠️ Liver and kidney effects at high doses
• ⚠️ Low ADI – regulatory caution
• ✅ Many brands phasing it out – consumer pressure

Our recommendation: Avoid E321 (BHT), especially for children and pregnant women. The international bans, conflicting studies, and availability of safer alternatives (vitamin E, rosemary extract) suggest a precautionary approach is wise.

Last updated: February 2026