BHA & BHT (Preservatives)

BHA and BHT, synthetic antioxidants found in cereals and chips, represent a preservative paradox where US tolerance outpaces global caution. BHA is classified by the National Toxicology Program as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen,' yet the FDA maintains GRAS status at 0.02% of fat content. The contrast with #3 (azodicarbonamide) is stark: both face similar international bans, yet BHA/BHT remain far more widespread. Japan's ban on BHA is absolute, while the EU restricts both to 200 mg/kg in foods. A 2018 study found BHT induces lung tumors in mice at 0.5% of diet. Despite General Mills removing BHT from cereals in 2015 after consumer campaigns, thousands of US products still contain these additives — a regulatory gap that continues to puzzle international observers.