Is Your Favorite Snack Hiding THIS Potentially Dangerous Ingredient? FDA's BHA Reassessment Will Shock You!

By JONEL ALECCIA, AP Health Writer

In a significant move for food safety, federal health officials announced on Tuesday that they will be reevaluating the safety of butylated hydroxyanisole, commonly known as BHA, a preservative found in a variety of foods such as potato chips, cereals, frozen meals, and meat products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new request for information regarding BHA, indicating that the agency’s review “will consider whether BHA is safe under its current conditions of use in food and as a food contact substance.”

This reassessment is part of a broader effort by the FDA to scrutinize chemical additives used in the American food supply. In May of this year, the agency identified BHA as a top priority for review, underscoring its commitment to ensure that chemicals in food do not pose health risks to consumers. “We are taking decisive action to ensure that chemicals in our food supply are not causing harm,” remarked FDA Commissioner Marty Makary in a statement.

BHA has a long history in the food industry. The chemical was first categorized as “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, by the FDA in 1958 and subsequently approved as a food additive in 1961. However, the National Toxicology Program has classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” since 1991. This classification raises significant concerns, especially as health advocacy groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, have long warned consumers to avoid products containing BHA. Some studies have suggested that BHA may induce cancer in laboratory animals such as rats, mice, and hamsters. As a result, BHA has been listed as a known carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65 since 1990.

Despite the health concerns surrounding BHA, data from package labeling show that its use has declined in recent years. Nevertheless, the FDA noted that BHA remains present in many products, including those marketed to children. This is particularly alarming given that children's food choices often shape their long-term health outcomes.

The ongoing review of BHA is crucial not only for consumer safety but also for accountability in the food industry. With regulatory scrutiny increasing, food manufacturers may be prompted to seek safer alternatives or reformulate their products. This situation highlights a growing awareness among consumers about food safety and the ingredients that go into their meals.

As the FDA embarks on this reassessment, it will be essential for stakeholders—including food manufacturers, health advocates, and consumers—to remain engaged in the conversation surrounding food additives and their safety. The outcomes of this review could have lasting implications for public health and food policy in the United States.

In summary, the FDA's renewed focus on BHA indicates a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about food safety regulations. As the agency seeks to ensure that the chemicals present in our food supply do not pose a threat to health, American consumers should stay informed and vigilant regarding the ingredients in their food.