Is Butylated Hydroxyanisole harmful?
Jun 30, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is generally harmless when used within specified dosage limits. As a food additive, BHA is widely used in fats and fried foods to prevent oxidation and spoilage. The state has established strict standards regarding its usage scope and dosage. Food products that comply with these standards typically do not pose harm to human health and can help extend shelf life while reducing food waste.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is generally harmless when used within specified dosage limits. However, excessive intake or long-term exposure may pose health risks. A detailed analysis is as follows:
As a food additive, BHA is widely used in fats and fried foods to prevent oxidation and spoilage. National regulations strictly define its scope and dosage. When added according to standards, BHA typically poses no harm to human health and helps extend food shelf life, reducing food waste. Normal consumption of foods meeting national standards results in minimal BHA intake, which can be metabolized and excreted by the body without accumulating toxicity.
Excessive intake of BHA, however, may pose health risks. Animal studies have shown that long-term, high-dose exposure to BHA may affect liver function and potentially increase cancer risk. Furthermore, occupational exposure to high concentrations of BHA during industrial production may irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, BHA exceeding the specified dosage limits presents safety concerns, and excessive exposure or intake should be avoided.
In daily diet, attention should be paid to checking food ingredient labels, avoiding long-term and excessive consumption of foods containing BHA, choosing fresh and natural foods, and reducing reliance on processed foods to lower health risks.
