What is BHT found in cereal?

Simply put, Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), and the related Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) are preservatives manufacturers use to keep cereals, and other foods fresh. They are man-made antioxidants that are added to foods containing oils in order to prevent those oils from oxidizing or going rancid quickly.

Herein, is BHT bad for your health?

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a chemical cousin to BHA that is also listed as “generally recognized as safe.” It, too, is added to food as a preservative. BHT is not a listed carcinogen, but some data have shown that it does cause cancer in animals. Rats fed BHT have developed lung and liver tumors (EFSA 2012).

Subsequently, question is, what foods contain butylated hydroxytoluene? You name it: cereals, gum, fast food, processed potatoes, drink mixes, shortening, snack foods, and so on. Thecompounds are also foundinfood packaging, animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, rubber, and plastics.

Considering this, what is BHT and why you should avoid it?

Repeated studies have shown that BHA and BHT increase the risk of cancer as well as accumulate in body tissue, cause liver enlargement, and retard the rate of DNA synthesis and thus, cell development.

Where is BHT banned?

Both BHA and BHT are banned from foods in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and throughout Europe. Many chips, sausages and cereals contain butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene in their ingredient lists. The waxy substances act as preservatives, keeping foods from becoming rancid.

36 Related Question Answers Found

What are the side effects of BHT?

Health and Environmental Hazards

Long-term exposure to high doses of BHT is toxic in mice and rats, causing liver, thyroid and kidney problems and affecting lung function and blood coagulation [4]. BHT can act as a tumour promoter in certain situations [5].

What is BHT in skincare?

antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, and masking. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a toluene-based ingredient used as a preservative in food and personal care products.

What is BHT preservative made from?

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are closely related synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks and moisturizers, among other cosmetics. They are also widely used as food preservatives.

Can BHT cause cancer?

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a chemical cousin to BHA that is also listed as “generally recognized as safe.” It, too, is added to food as a preservative. The two compounds act synergistically and are often used together. BHT is not a listed carcinogen, but some data have shown that it does cause cancer in animals.

What is BHT in body wash?

Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA. BHT is the recognized name in the cosmetics industry for butylated hydroxytoluene. BHT is used in a wide range of cosmetic formulations as an antioxidant at concentrations from 0.0002% to 0.5%. BHT does penetrate the skin, but the relatively low amount absorbed remains primarily in the skin.

Is BHT natural?

Natural occurrence

Phytoplankton, including the green algae Botryococcus braunii, as well as three different cyanobacteria (Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria sp.) are capable of producing BHT as a natural product. The fruit lychee also produces BHT in its pericarp.

Which cereals do not contain BHT?

Many of our US Cereals do not contain BHT including: Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Trix, Kix and Lucky Charms.

What is BHT in perfume?

antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, and masking. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a toluene-based ingredient used as a preservative in food and personal care products.

What is BHT added to packaging?

Many of America's favorite cereal brands contain a dash of BHT, a synthetic antioxidant that prevents vegetable oils from going rancid. BHT may be added directly to cereal, though it is commonly added to the plastic or wax paper liner of the packaging. From there, it migrates into food.

Is BHT in soap bad?

BHT is the recognized name in the cosmetics industry for butylated hydroxytoluene. BHT is used in a wide range of cosmetic formulations as an antioxidant at concentrations from 0.0002% to 0.5%. In addition to liver and kidney effects, BHT applied to the skin was associated with toxic effects in lung tissue.

Is BHA carcinogenic?

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is reasonably anticipated to be a hu- man carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.

What is BHT?

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative. People also use it as medicine. BHT is used to treat genital herpes and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Some people apply BHT directly to the skin for cold sores.

What is BHA and BHT in food?

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are closely related synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks and moisturizers, among other cosmetics. They are also widely used as food preservatives.

Is BHA safe to eat?

The FDA says BHA is safe (at least at the levels they prescribe for foods), but data from the National Toxicology Program says it's likely a carcinogen, while other researchers have concluded that it may actually be an anticarcinogen.

Is BHT good for skin?

BHT is the recognized name in the cosmetics industry for butylated hydroxytoluene. BHT is used in a wide range of cosmetic formulations as an antioxidant at concentrations from 0.0002% to 0.5%. In addition to liver and kidney effects, BHT applied to the skin was associated with toxic effects in lung tissue.

What is TBHQ and BHT?

What is TBHQ? TBHQ, like many food additives, is used to extend shelf life and prevent rancidity. It's a light-colored crystalline product with a slight odor. It's often used with other additives like propyl gallate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

What food additives are banned in other countries?

Here some of the food additives that are prohibited or restricted in Europe but have a green light for consumption in the United States.

Potassium bromate and azodicarbonamide (ADA)
BHA and BHT.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Red dye no.
Farm animal drugs.