BHT Added To Packaging To Help Preserve Freshness

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant. It is made from petroleum-based chemicals. BHT is used to prevent foods from spoiling by reacting with oxygen.

Manufacturers add BHT to foods to act as a preservative, preventing fats and oils from becoming rancid. It is often found in cereals, crackers, cookies, and other processed foods that contain fats. BHT can also be added to food packaging to help maintain product freshness.

BHT is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is also approved for use in food packaging. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated BHT. Some studies have raised questions about BHT's safety, but regulatory bodies like the FDA consider it safe at typical consumption levels. Research on its effects is ongoing.