Additives · Preservative
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) (E321)
A synthetic antioxidant that keeps fats from going rancid.
Where it's restricted
US (FDA)Allowed
EUAllowed
TexasWarning label requiredfrom 2027-01-01
LouisianaBanned in school mealsfrom 2028-2029 school year
LouisianaWarning label requiredfrom 2028-01-01
What each rule says, with sources
- US (FDA): Allowed FDA allows it as a preservative. Source
- EU: Allowed On the EU's list of approved additives as E321. For limited uses. (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008) Source
- Texas: Warning label required from 2027-01-01 Labels developed on or after January 1, 2027 must warn that the product contains an ingredient not recommended for consumption in Australia, Canada, the EU or the UK. (SB 25 (2025)) Source
- Louisiana: Banned in school meals from 2028-2029 school year Banned in Louisiana school food from the 2028-2029 school year (concession stands and vending machines exempt). (SB 14, Act 463 (2025)) Source
- Louisiana: Warning label required from 2028-01-01 Products containing it must carry a QR code disclosure from January 1, 2028. (SB 14, Act 463 (2025)) Source
Also listed on labels as: BHT, Butylated Hydroxytoluene.
Products that list it
8,942 products in USDA's label data name BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) in their ingredients.
Cereal (1,428)Pizza (1,179)Chewing Gum & Mints (1,038)Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes (461)Processed Cereal Products (304)Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats (272)Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts (256)Savoury Bakery Products (248)
- Seafood Bake Tempo · Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers · 1 recall · 1 additive banned somewhere
- Fettuccine Alfredo Michelina's · Frozen Dinners & Entrees · 1 recall · 1 additive banned somewhere
- Must Chewing Gum, Mint Elite · Chewing Gum & Mints · 1 recall · 1 additive banned somewhere
- Cherry Drink Mix, Cherry Kool-aid · Alcohol · 1 recall · 1 additive banned somewhere
- ANDY CAPP Hot Fries, 0.85 OZ Conagra Brands · Snacks · 1 recall · 1 additive banned somewhere
- Chocolatey Cereal, Chocolate Wendy's Frosty · Cereal · lab tested · 4 additives banned somewhere
- Cereal With Almonds, Almonds Post · Cereal · 1 recall
- Adams, Chiclets, Peppermint Gum Adams · Chewing Gum & Mints · 1 recall
- Chocolate Iced Glazed Doughnuts Krispy Kreme · Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes · 1 recall · 1 additive banned somewhere
- Classic Italian Gourmet Sub Sandwich Premo Signature Brand · Prepared Subs & Sandwiches · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere
- Chocolate Iced Custard Filled Doughnuts Krispy Kreme · Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes · 1 recall · 3 additives banned somewhere
- Chocolate Iced Doughnuts With Kreme Filling Krispy Kreme · Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes · 1 recall · 1 additive banned somewhere