Sneaky Food Additives

BHA And BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene are related synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in foods like chips, vegetable oil, sausage, cereal, cookies, gum, and drink mixes. The National Toxicology Program calls BHA a probable human carcinogen, and The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen. Evidence that BHA interferes with hormone function landed the substance as a category one priority by the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption.

BHT has been shown to cause liver, thyroid, and kidney disorders in mice. High doses of BHT has even been shown to mimic estrogen and cause reproductive malfunction. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration generally recognizes both substances as safe when the limit per volume isn’t exceeded, and other studies have shown low doses of the additives may actually help prevent cancer due to their antioxidant properties. The Center for Science in the Public Interest’s bottom line is to avoid BHA and approach BHT with caution. However, this may be a difficult task since BHA and BHT often show up together in products.