Allervibe
E321
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
A synthetic phenolic antioxidant used to delay rancidity in fats, oils and fat-containing foods.
i Additive Details
| Is E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) safe?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated BHT and placed it in Group 3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans, so it does not carry the classification given to BHA. High doses in animal studies produced liver enlargement and changes in liver enzymes, which is the basis of its ADI. Contact dermatitis is uncommon but documented, and reactions have been reported in some people with chronic urticaria. EFSA's 2012 re-evaluation concluded that exposure from food generally stays below the ADI.
| Uses
Used in vegetable oils, frying fats, animal fats, margarine, snack foods, dehydrated potato products, breakfast cereals, nuts and dried meat, and in chewing gum base. Outside food it is widespread in packaging materials, cosmetics and animal feed, where it protects the fat phase from oxidation.
| Interactions
Often used together with BHA (E320) and with citric acid (E330) as a metal-chelating synergist. BHT is more volatile than the gallates and can be partly lost during frying and other high-temperature processing, so it is often paired with a more heat-stable antioxidant. It has its own ADI, separate from that of BHA, even though the two are usually found in the same products.
| Origin
Entirely synthetic and not present in food naturally. It is made by alkylating p-cresol with isobutylene to give 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol.
| Daily Intake
EFSA re-evaluated BHT in 2012 and set an ADI of 0.25 mg per kg of body weight per day. The ADI set by JECFA is 0 to 0.3 mg per kg of body weight per day. This figure is lower than the ADI for BHA, and the two are not interchangeable.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E300 Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) Vitamin C, used both as a nutrient and as a food antioxidant.
- E310 Propyl gallate A synthetic antioxidant, the propyl ester of gallic acid, used to stop fats and oils turning rancid.
- E320 Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) A synthetic phenolic antioxidant used to keep fats, oils and fat-containing foods from going rancid.
- E301 Sodium ascorbate The sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), used as an antioxidant in food.
- E302 Calcium ascorbate The calcium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), used as a food antioxidant.
- E304 Ascorbyl palmitate A fat-soluble form of vitamin C, made by joining ascorbic acid to palmitic acid.
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