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Ingredient Guide

🇬🇧 BHA and BHT on Food Labels in UK

BHA and BHT is permitted with restrictions and maximum levels in United Kingdom: declare as "butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) / butylated hydroxytoluene (E321)" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

BHA (E320) and BHT (E321) are synthetic antioxidants that prevent fats and oils from going rancid in cereals, chewing gum, snack foods, and fat-based products. In United Kingdom, BHA and BHT is regulated under Retained EU Law & UK FIC as a food preservative. UK retains EU authorization with same maximum levels. Declaration required. UK is conducting post-Brexit independent reviews of some additives.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) / butylated hydroxytoluene (E321)" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "preservative" and E-number E320/E321
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) / butylated hydroxytoluene (E321)"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify BHA and BHT
  • Omitting the E-number E320/E321 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden BHA and BHT content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"preservative: butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) / butylated hydroxytoluene (E321)"
"butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) / butylated hydroxytoluene (E321)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) / butylated hydroxytoluene (E321) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (BHT, E320) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "BHA and BHT" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for BHA and BHT and all its common names (BHA, BHT, E320, E321) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under UK rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is bha and bht (E320/E321)?

BHA (E320) and BHT (E321) are synthetic antioxidants that prevent fats and oils from going rancid in cereals, chewing gum, snack foods, and fat-based products. It commonly appears in: Crackers, Cereals, Potato chips, Vegetable oils, Chewing gum.

Is bha and bht bad for you?

IARC lists BHA as Group 2B ("possibly carcinogenic") based on high-dose rodent studies; EFSA maintains ADIs of 1.0 mg/kg (BHA) and 0.25 mg/kg (BHT) body weight per day and considers permitted food levels safe. Many brands nevertheless reformulate to tocopherols (vitamin E) or rosemary extract for clean-label positioning.

How must BHA and BHT be declared on food labels in UK?

Declare as "butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) / butylated hydroxytoluene (E321)" in the ingredient list. UK retains EU authorization with same maximum levels. Declaration required. UK is conducting post-Brexit independent reviews of some additives.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of BHA and BHT?

BHA and BHT may appear under the following names: BHA, BHT, E320, E321, Butylated hydroxyanisole, Butylated hydroxytoluene. Common hidden sources include: Crackers, Cereals, Potato chips, Vegetable oils, Chewing gum, Nuts, Frozen convenience foods.

Is bha and bht banned in UK or other markets?

Restricted with maximum levels in: EU, UK.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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