On February 10, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the launch of a comprehensive re-assessment of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a chemical preservative used in food and as a food contact substance. The review will evaluate whether BHA remains safe under its current conditions of use, based on the latest available scientific evidence. As part of this process, the FDA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather updated data on the use and safety of BHA.

BHA was classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in 1958 and approved as a food additive in 1961. It is commonly used to prevent the oxidation of fats and oils and can be found in a variety of food products, including frozen meals, breakfast cereals, cookies, candy, ice cream, and meat products. While packaged food label data indicate that BHA use has declined in recent years, it remains present in many foods, including products marketed to children.

The FDA’s re-assessment of BHA is part of the agency’s enhanced post-market review program for chemicals in the food supply, which was strengthened in 2025 to proactively evaluate substances already on the market. BHA was identified as a top priority under this program, particularly in light of longstanding concerns raised by the scientific and public health communities. The National Toxicology Program has classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on animal studies.

This effort aligns with broader federal policy priorities. The Make America Healthy Again Commission’s Strategy Report identified post-market review of chemical additives in food as a key priority, including food additives, food contact substances, GRAS substances, and color additives. In parallel, the FDA has advanced draft rulemaking to reform its GRAS framework, aiming to increase transparency in the food supply, address independent GRAS determinations made without FDA review, and strengthen oversight of chemicals added to food.

FDA leadership has indicated that, following completion of the BHA assessment, the agency expects to conduct similar reviews of other food chemicals, including butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and azodicarbonamide.

Why this matters:
The FDA’s action signals a more rigorous, science-based, and transparent approach to regulating food chemicals. Food manufacturers, importers, and compliance professionals should closely monitor these developments, as outcomes from the BHA review and ongoing GRAS reforms may have significant implications for product formulation, regulatory strategy, and risk management.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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