FDA Reviewing Potentially Carcinogenic Food Preservative BHA

The agency will assess the safety of butylated hydroxyanisole, a common food additive linked to cancer in animal studies.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Food and Drug Administration announced it is undertaking a review of the chemical preservative butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) to determine if the potentially carcinogenic substance is safe for continued use in food products. BHA has been approved for use as a food additive since 1961, but the National Toxicology Program has identified it as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' based on animal studies.

Why it matters

This reassessment marks a shift in the FDA's approach to food safety, moving away from a 'trust us' mentality to a more rigorous, science-based evaluation of chemicals in the food supply. The review of BHA is part of a broader effort by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to remove potentially harmful substances from American diets, especially those that children are exposed to.

The details

BHA is a common preservative used to prevent spoilage and contamination in a variety of food products, including frozen meals, breakfast cereals, meat, and snacks. While its use has declined in recent years, BHA continues to be found in many foods. The FDA previously approved BHA as safe in 1958 and as a food additive in 1961, but is now taking a fresh look at the latest scientific evidence on its potential health risks.

  • The FDA announced the BHA review on February 10, 2026.
  • BHA was first approved for use as a food additive in 1961.

The players

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, and other consumer products to ensure public health and safety.

Robert Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who is leading an initiative called 'Make America Healthy Again' to remove potentially harmful chemicals from the nation's food supply.

Kyle Diamantas

The deputy commissioner for the FDA's Human Foods Program, who stated the agency's commitment to rigorously evaluating the safety of chemicals in food.

National Toxicology Program

A research program within the National Institutes of Health that has identified BHA as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' based on animal studies.

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What they’re saying

“BHA has remained in the food supply for decades despite being identified by the National Toxicology Program as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' based on animal studies.”

— Robert Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services (UPI)

“The FDA is committed to ensuring the safety of chemicals in our food supply through rigorous, science-based evaluation. This comprehensive post-market assessment of BHA reflects our proactive approach to food safety and our dedication to protecting public health by continuously reviewing the latest scientific evidence.”

— Kyle Diamantas, Deputy Commissioner, FDA Human Foods Program (UPI)

What’s next

The FDA will complete its comprehensive review of the scientific evidence on the safety of BHA and determine whether the chemical preservative should continue to be approved for use in food products.

The takeaway

This FDA review of BHA represents a shift towards a more rigorous, science-based approach to evaluating the safety of chemicals in the American food supply, especially those that may pose risks to public health, including vulnerable populations like children.