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FDA Reassesses Widely Used Preservative BHA Amid Cancer Concerns

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/12 .. -used-preservative-bha-amid-cancer-concerns.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 17:22 GMT by CNN
      Locales: Maryland, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 12th, 2026 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently undertaking a comprehensive reassessment of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a widely utilized preservative found in a vast array of food products, cosmetics, and even animal feed. This renewed scrutiny stems from emerging scientific data challenging previously held assumptions about BHA's safety profile, specifically concerning potential carcinogenic effects revealed in recent animal studies.

BHA has been a staple in the food and cosmetics industries for decades, lauded for its efficacy in preventing oxidation - the process that causes fats and oils to become rancid, leading to spoilage and undesirable flavors. This antioxidant property extends shelf life and maintains product quality. Consequently, BHA is a common ingredient in everyday items, including breakfast cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, processed vegetable oils, lipsticks, moisturizers, and packaging materials for animal nutrition. The sheer ubiquity of BHA highlights the potential scope of any regulatory changes stemming from the current FDA review.

The FDA's decision to revisit BHA's safety was prompted by a growing body of research indicating potential health risks. While earlier studies, stretching back several decades, generally considered BHA safe at approved levels, more recent investigations - particularly those conducted over the last two years - have yielded conflicting results. These newer studies, employing advanced methodologies and focusing on long-term exposure, have suggested a link between BHA consumption and the development of tumors in certain animal models, specifically forestomach tumors in rats and hamsters. It's important to note that the applicability of animal study results to human health is complex and requires careful evaluation.

"We are aware of the evolving scientific landscape surrounding BHA and recognize the concerns raised by these recent studies," stated Dr. Eleanor Vance, Director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, in a press briefing earlier today. "We are committed to a rigorous and transparent review of all available data, including both the older, established research and these newer findings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of the American public, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action based on the best available science."

The current reassessment is far more detailed than a simple literature review. The FDA is engaging a panel of independent toxicology experts to analyze the animal studies, evaluate the methodology employed, and assess the relevance of the findings to human health. Furthermore, the agency is actively soliciting additional data from industry stakeholders and independent researchers. This includes examining human epidemiological studies, although conclusive data linking BHA to cancer in humans remains limited.

Consumer advocacy groups, such as the Safe Food Coalition, have been vocal in their calls for stricter regulation of BHA. "For years, we've been raising concerns about the potential health risks of BHA. The FDA's reassessment is a welcome step, but we urge them to act decisively if the evidence supports a ban or significant restriction on its use," said Sarah Chen, a spokesperson for the Coalition. "Consumers deserve to know exactly what they are putting into their bodies, and they deserve to be protected from potentially harmful chemicals."

Industry groups, however, have expressed reservations about the potential economic consequences of restricting or banning BHA. The Food and Cosmetic Manufacturers Association (FCMA) argues that BHA is a safe and effective preservative, and that its removal would necessitate the use of potentially more expensive or less effective alternatives. "BHA has a long history of safe use, and any regulatory changes must be carefully considered to avoid disrupting the supply chain and increasing costs for consumers," stated Mark Thompson, the FCMA's Director of Regulatory Affairs. The FCMA is actively cooperating with the FDA, providing data and expertise to support its review.

The FDA estimates that the comprehensive reassessment will take approximately six to nine months to complete. The agency has committed to publishing its findings and any proposed regulatory changes in a publicly accessible report. Until then, consumers concerned about BHA exposure can check product ingredient lists and opt for products that utilize alternative preservatives, such as vitamin E (tocopherols) or ascorbic acid (vitamin C). However, the effectiveness of these alternatives may vary depending on the specific product and storage conditions. The situation surrounding BHA serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need for vigilant scientific assessment and proactive regulation in ensuring the safety of the food and cosmetic products we use every day.