What: On February 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Request for Information (RFI) on the current uses and safety data of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in human food and as a food contact substance. The RFI is part of the FDA’s systematic process for conducting post-market assessments of chemicals in food and for determining if BHA remains safe under its current conditions of use in food and as a food contact substance.
Why: The FDA believes information from food manufacturers on uses, use levels, dietary exposure, and safety data on BHA, currently used in food and as a food contact substance, is crucial for food chemical assessments. The RFI specifically requests the following information:
- General food categories in which BHA is used.
- Typical and maximum use levels of BHA in each applicable general food category.
- Information on the current food contact uses of BHA.
- Subpopulations with high BHA dietary exposure or safety concerns.
- Other dietary sources of BHA.
- Market share of foods in each applicable food category and BHA-formulated food contact materials.
- Biomonitoring data for BHA or its metabolites.
- Updated market disappearance or poundage data for BHA.
- Chemically or pharmacologically related substances used in food or as food contact substances.
- Safety data relevant to the use of BHA in food or as a food contact substance, especially unpublished data.
- Documentation of GRAS conclusions or prior sanctions for uses of BHA in food or as a food contact substance.
- Data to support the conclusion that BHA is no longer used for one or more of its authorized intended uses in food or as a food contact substance.
Action: Comments are due to the FDA on or before April 13, 2026.
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION:
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
CONTACT:
Will Purcell
EMAIL:
TOPIC(S):
TAG(S): FDA
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