BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)
بوتيل هيدروكسي تولوين (BHT)
Antioxidant (synthetic phenolic)
BHA's milder cousin - fine for adults, but kids can overshoot the safe limit.
Why this verdict
Synthetic phenolic antioxidant. EFSA 2012 ADI 0.25 mg/kg (NOAEL 25, UF 100); not genotoxic, not a carcinogenicity concern. IARC Group 3 (not classifiable). Adults stay below ADI, but children at the 95th percentile can exceed it in some EU countries - the main reason for caution.
What It Is
A synthetic antioxidant used like BHA to keep fats from going rancid - in oily snacks, cereals, and long-shelf-life baked goods.
BHT does BHA's job, but the science is more reassuring on the frightening questions: EFSA found no genotoxicity or cancer concern and set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg. The one real flag isn't danger per bite - it's totals. EFSA noted that heavy-snacking children in some European countries can exceed that daily limit even when adults don't. So the practical takeaway is about how much processed, fatty snack food ends up in a kid's day, not about any single product being risky.
Evidence & Status
IARC Carcinogen Group
3 (not classifiable as to carcinogenicity; IARC Vol 40)
Acceptable Intake
ADI 0.25 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2012)
EU Status
Approved (ADI 0.25 mg/kg, EFSA 2012)
US · FDA Status
Approved (GRAS)
Halal Status: Halal
Synthetic (from p-cresol + isobutylene; no animal source); halal and vegan.
Worth Knowing
Also Known As
E 321 · BHT
Primary Source
Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.
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