Additive guide
E320 BHAwhat it means on a food label
Classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Berry Pure flags additives like this during a scan so you can decide faster at the shelf.
Berry Pure verdict
Best avoided
E320 is on Berry Pure's best-avoided list because the evidence record includes a ban, warning-label requirement, regulatory action, or a consistent health concern. The practical move is simple: if you see E320 or BHA on a food you buy often, scan the label and look for a cleaner swap.
Usually found in
Chewing gum, snacks, fats
If these are regular buys in your kitchen, scan a few brands side by side. Additive use can vary a lot between similar products.
Additive family
Antioxidant
Keep fats from going rancid and control acidity.
How to spot it on a label
Manufacturers may use the E-number code, the full additive name, or a common alternative name. These are the label terms to check:
- E320
- BHA
- Butylated hydroxyanisole
The evidence record
IARC classifies BHA as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on tumors seen in the forestomach of rats and other rodents fed high doses. Humans do not have a forestomach, and when EFSA re-evaluated BHA in 2011 it judged that this rodent effect was not relevant to human risk. EFSA also concluded BHA does not raise concern for genotoxicity and set an acceptable daily intake of 1.0 mg per kg of body weight, revised upward from the earlier 0.5 mg per kg figure that JECFA and the EU Scientific Committee for Food had used.
BHA is used to keep fats, oils, and fat-containing foods from oxidizing, appearing in items such as chips, cereals, cured meats, chewing gum, and some processed snacks. Everyday exposure comes from eating these products, and EFSA found that typical intakes generally fall below its acceptable daily intake. Regulators in the EU and United States continue to permit BHA within defined limits. California's 2023 Food Safety Act banned red dye 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben, but did not include BHA.
Acceptable daily intake
1.0 mg per kg of body weight per day (EFSA, 2011), revised upward from the earlier 0.5 mg per kg per day set by JECFA and the EU Scientific Committee for Food
Regulatory status
Permitted as an antioxidant in the EU (E320) and in the United States, where the FDA lists it within defined use limits. It was not among the four additives banned by California's 2023 Food Safety Act.
Related additives
Same family, similar label context, or the same Berry Pure verdict.
Frequently askedquestions
Everything you need to know about scanning your food with Berry Pure.
What is E320 BHA?
E320 is BHA, a antioxidant used in foods such as chewing gum, snacks, fats. Classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
Is E320 bad for you?
E320 is on Berry Pure's best-avoided list because the evidence record includes a ban, warning-label requirement, regulatory action, or a consistent health concern. The practical move is simple: if you see E320 or BHA on a food you buy often, scan the label and look for a cleaner swap.
How do I spot E320 on a label?
Look for these label names: E320, BHA, Butylated hydroxyanisole. Some products spell out the additive name instead of using the E-number code.
Can Berry Pure flag E320?
Yes. Berry Pure scans ingredient labels with your camera and flags additives like E320 so you do not have to memorize code numbers while shopping.
Sources
The claims on this page are based on these publications.
See what’s really
in your food
Scan your first label in seconds and start making cleaner choices across your whole kitchen.
Free to download. Subscription required for Premium.
Berry Pure Premium is a monthly or annual subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase and automatically renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings.