FDA Moves to Ban BHA, a Preservative Used in Processed Foods

The agency cites long-standing concerns that the additive may cause cancer in humans.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Food and Drug Administration has announced plans to launch a new safety review of the food preservative BHA, or butylated hydroxyanisole, which has been used in processed foods like meats and bread for decades. The agency cited concerns that BHA may be a human carcinogen, based on studies in animals, and said it is issuing a request for information from the public and industry on the use and safety of the additive.

Why it matters

The potential ban on BHA comes as part of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, which has focused on reducing the use of chemicals in the food supply. The move aligns with long-standing concerns from consumer advocacy groups about the safety of BHA, which has been on the Center for Science in the Public Interest's "avoid" list for years.

The details

BHA has been approved by the FDA as a food additive since 1961 and is used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling in products like frozen meals, cereals, cookies, and some meats. However, the National Toxicology Program identified BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" based on animal studies in the 1990s, and it is listed as a known carcinogen under California's Proposition 65.

  • The FDA first listed BHA as 'generally recognized as safe' in 1958.
  • The FDA approved BHA as a food additive in 1961.
  • In the 1990s, the National Toxicology Program identified BHA as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen'.
  • Last year, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a plan to phase out all artificial dyes from the food supply by the end of 2026.

The players

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, and other consumer products.

National Toxicology Program

A federal program that reviews whether certain chemicals may cause harm, including identifying BHA as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' in the 1990s.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has focused on reducing chemicals in the food supply as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.

Marion Nestle

A professor emerita of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University who applauded the FDA's move to review the safety of BHA.

Center for Science in the Public Interest

A consumer advocacy group that has long included BHA on its "avoid" list of food additives.

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What they’re saying

“This reassessment marks the end of the 'trust us' era in food safety.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (Press Release)

“It's about time the FDA got to it. It will be interesting to see what its reviewers conclude.”

— Marion Nestle, Professor Emerita of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health, New York University (Interview)

What’s next

As part of its review, the FDA said it is issuing a request for information, asking the public and industry to submit data on how BHA is used and whether it is safe.

The takeaway

The potential ban on BHA reflects growing concerns about the safety of food additives and chemicals, and the FDA's move aligns with a broader push to reduce the use of potentially harmful substances in the food supply.