Is Bht Safe?
Independent health safety analysis · Updated June 15, 2026
48
Safety Concerns Noted
Significant safety concerns — consult a health professional before use
D
Bht — Nerq Safety Score 48.2/100 (D). Verdict: Some Safety Concerns. E-Number: E321. Restrictions: Banned or restricted in some jurisdictions. Category: food ingredient. Updated 2026-06-15.
Bht has a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). Some Safety Concerns. E-Number: E321. Restrictions: Banned or restricted in some jurisdictions. Category: food ingredient. Last verified: 2026-06-15.
Bht has some safety concerns that warrant attention based on a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). BHT (E321) is a food antioxidant used as butylated hydroxytoluene — a synthetic antioxidant. EU status: Approved with limits. Controversial. Some studies show tumor promotion. Banned in some countries
Overall assessment: Bht is associated with safety concerns that require careful consideration.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions.
Safety Score Breakdown
Scientific Evidence55/100
Key Safety Findings
⚠Nerq Safety Score: 48.2/100 (Fair)
⚠E-Number: E321
✗Restrictions: Banned or restricted in some jurisdictions
Regulatory Status of Bht
Restrictions
Banned or restricted in some jurisdictions
Data sourced from official regulatory databases. Always verify with the relevant authority for the most current status.
What are the safety concerns for Bht?
The primary area of concern is E-Number (48/100). Individuals with sensitivities should exercise caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bht safe to eat?
Bht has a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). Some Safety Concerns. Some individuals should avoid or limit consumption. Consult a health professional.
Is Bht banned in any countries?
Regulatory Status score: 48/100. Banned or restricted in some jurisdictions. Check local food safety regulations.
What are the side effects of Bht?
Toxicology score: 48/100. Side effects have been documented. Consult a healthcare provider.
Is Bht safe for children?
Safety considerations for children may differ from adults. Always consult a pediatrician for guidance on Bht consumption by children.
Does Bht cause cancer?
Long-term Safety score: 48/100. Long-term data is limited. Follow recommended guidelines for safe consumption levels.
Is Bht safe for people with allergies?
Allergen Risk score: 48/100. Allergen concerns have been noted. Consult an allergist.
How does Bht compare to similar ingredients?
Bht has a safety score of 48.2/100. Compare with similar ingredients below.
How we calculated this score
Bht's safety score of 48.2/100 (D) is based on analysis of published toxicology data, regulatory filings, clinical studies, and adverse event reports. The score reflects 5 health-specific dimensions: E-Number (48/100, E321), Restrictions (48/100, Banned or restricted in some jurisdictions), Data Pending (48/100, ), Data Pending (48/100, ), Data Pending (48/100, ).
Nerq indexes over 7.5 million entities across 26 registries, enabling direct cross-category comparison. Scores are updated as new safety data becomes available.
Full methodology documentation · Machine-readable data (JSON API)
Last updated: June 15, 2026 · Data sources: FDA, EFSA, WHO-JECFA, PubMed, GRAS
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, nutritional, or dermatological advice.
Always consult a qualified professional before making health-related decisions.
Data sourced from FDA, EFSA, NIH, and peer-reviewed research.
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