BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

What you need to know

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used in chewing gum, cereals and packaging fats.

Unlike BHA, the cancer agency IARC reviewed BHT and found it not classifiable as a carcinogen (Group 3). Regulators permit it with one of the lower intake limits among antioxidants.

Many manufacturers have replaced it with vitamin E in recent years.

Where it stands, by region

The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.

🇦🇺AU / NZ	Approved Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code).
🇪🇺EU	Approved Permitted with strict maximum levels; ADI 0.25 mg/kg bw/day (2012).
🇺🇸US	Approved Permitted (FDA).
🇨🇦CA	Approved Permitted (Health Canada).

Health evidence

How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.

Hyperactivity & behaviour

Unknown

Allergy & intolerance

Unknown

Gut microbiome

Unknown

Metabolic effects

Suspected

Carcinogenicity

IARC Group 3 — not classifiable

Suspected

Cardiovascular

Unknown

2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. ADI 0.25 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2012). IARC Group 3 (not classifiable).

Synthesis: SyntheticADI 0.25 mg/kg bw/day