- On February 10, 2026, FDA announced the launch of a “comprehensive re-assessment of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)” to “consider whether BHA is safe under its current conditions of use in food and as a food contact substance.” On February 11, the Agency published a request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register on the current uses and safety of BHA in human food and as a food contact substance.
- BHA was initially added to the List of Select Chemicals in the Food Supply Under FDA Review in August 2025. BHA is currently used in food and food contact applications as an antioxidant, subject to specified limitations, based on a variety of regulatory pathways including GRAS listings, food additive authorizations, and prior sanctions. These are detailed in the RFI.
- FDA’s press release announcement linked above takes a more negative tone than the Federal Register notice.
- The RFI lists 12 specific areas in which FDA seeks information, generally concerning the use, use levels, dietary exposure, and safety of BHA used in food and as a food contact substance. Responses to the RFI are due by April 13, 2026.
