Bha/bht And Citric Acid To Preserve Flavor

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are synthetic chemical compounds. Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits, but it is often produced for food use through the fermentation of carbohydrates, such as corn syrup.

This combination of ingredients is used to preserve food by preventing fats and oils from spoiling (a process called rancidity) and by inhibiting other unwanted chemical changes that can affect flavor and freshness. They are commonly added to processed foods like cereals, snack foods, fats, oils, and prepared soups.

BHA and BHT are approved by the FDA as food additives. JECFA has evaluated both BHA and BHT and set acceptable daily intakes. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies BHA as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and JECFA did not set a numeric limit for it because of its very low toxicity.