Butylated hydroxytoluene
E321
E321, BHT, butylated hydroxytoluene, hidroxitolueno butilado, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol
What it is
A synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the freshness and extend the shelf-life of food fats and oils.
Why BOTIA flags it
BHT is E321, an authorised antioxidant — but it is not BHA. EFSA reviewed it separately in 2012 and set an intake limit of 0.25 mg/kg body weight a day. IARC puts BHT in Group 3: not classifiable as carcinogenic to humans.
BOTIA CAN
- Spot E321 or BHT in the ingredient list.
- Show BHT's own EFSA intake limit and its IARC Group 3 classification.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine if the BHT has migrated from the packaging material or was added directly to the food.
- Calculate the exact dietary intake of BHT from a single serving of the scanned product.