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E 321Antioxidants & Acidity Regulators

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Characteristics

Additive NameButylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
E No.E 321
TypeIndividual Substance
In plain language

A synthetic antioxidant added to fats and oils to prevent them from going rancid. It is also widely used in packaging materials. Approved by EFSA and FDA, though some animal studies have raised questions about high-dose effects — the doses studied are far above what humans typically consume. Most regulatory bodies consider it safe at current permitted levels, but it remains one of the more debated synthetic preservatives.

Conditions of Use

This additive is authorised to be used in the following 2 food categories:

2.1fats and oils essentially free from water (excluding anhydrous milk fat)
Maximum Level = 100 mg/kg
only fats and oils for the professional manufacture of heat treated foods; frying oil and frying fat (excluding olive an pomace oil) and lard, fish oil, beef, poultry and sheep fat
Footnote 41: Expressed on fat basis
2.2.2Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions
Maximum Level = 100 mg/kg
only frying fat

Source

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E 321 - Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) | E-Number Information