Does Canada Allow BHT in Food? A Look at National Regulations

November 11, 2025 •

2 min read

While the United States' FDA considers Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) generally recognized as safe, Canada has a much stricter stance on this food preservative. This reflects Canada's broader regulatory approach to food additives compared to its southern neighbor, driven by differing assessments of potential health risks associated with BHT.

Quick Summary

Canada severely restricts or prohibits the use of the preservative BHT in food products sold in its grocery stores due to safety concerns. Health Canada's regulations differ significantly from the U.S. FDA.

Key Points

No, BHT is not permitted in Canadian food: BHT is largely banned from use as a food additive in products sold within Canada, reflecting a cautious regulatory approach to food safety.
Differing regulations globally: Canada's strict rules contrast with the U.S. FDA, which classifies BHT as 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) at regulated levels.
Health concerns drove the ban: The ban is a result of safety concerns, including potential links to endocrine disruption, organ toxicity, and carcinogenicity based on certain animal studies.
Look for natural alternatives: As a result of the regulations, Canadian food manufacturers often use natural alternatives like rosemary extract, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C to preserve freshness.
Read cosmetic labels carefully: While restricted in food, small amounts of BHT may still be present in cosmetics and food packaging, so consumers should check labels on non-food items.
Advocacy for 'clean labels' is growing: Consumer demand and advocacy efforts in North America are pushing for clearer food labeling and the elimination of synthetic additives like BHT.

Canadian Food Regulations on BHT

Canada's regulatory stance on Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is clear: it is largely prohibited from use as a direct food additive in products sold on Canadian grocery store shelves. This differs from the approach taken by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has historically classified BHT as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) at low concentrations. The divergence in policy stems from different conclusions drawn from scientific evidence regarding the long-term health effects of this synthetic antioxidant. While the Canadian ban covers food products, minimal amounts may still be found in some cosmetics or food packaging materials, subject to strict guidelines from Health Canada.

BHT vs. BHA: A Tale of Two Preservatives

BHT is often discussed alongside a related compound, Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA). Both are synthetic phenolic antioxidants used to prevent fats and oils from going rancid, thus extending shelf life. However, their regulatory status can differ. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen based on animal studies. While evidence on BHT is mixed, Canadian authorities take a precautionary approach.

Health Concerns Associated with BHT

The Canadian government’s decision to limit BHT in food is grounded in scientific research raising concerns about potential health impacts, including endocrine disruption, possible carcinogenic potential based on some animal studies, organ toxicity (particularly to the liver and lungs at high doses in animals), allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and potential cumulative effects of low-dose exposure.

Global Regulatory Comparison

The regulation of BHT highlights differences in food safety philosophies. Here is a comparison:


Feature	Canada	United States	European Union (EU)
Regulation	Largely restricted/prohibited in food.	Classified as GRAS by FDA, permitted within specific limits.	Permitted under E321 code with strict Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) limits by EFSA.
Reasoning	Precautionary principle due to mixed toxicology data.	Based on historical safety assessments, though FDA is reassessing GRAS substances.	Follows permitted additives framework with regular re-evaluations.
Availability	Not found in Canadian food, may appear in imported items or non-food products.	Widely found in packaged foods.	Available in foods within tighter restrictions.

Natural Alternatives to BHT

Consumer demand for 'clean-label' products encourages the use of alternatives to synthetic preservatives like BHT. Common alternatives include rosemary extract (rich in antioxidants like carnosic acid), Vitamin E (tocopherols), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), green tea extract (containing catechins), high-pressure processing (HPP), and improved packaging techniques.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canada largely prohibits BHT in food, a decision based on a cautious approach to safety and concerns raised by scientific studies. This differs from the United States, where BHT has been considered GRAS, though that is under review. Consequently, BHT is absent from Canadian food shelves, and the industry utilizes natural alternatives or advanced preservation methods.

Visit the Government of Canada's official Food Additives webpage for more regulatory information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason is a difference in regulatory philosophy and interpretation of scientific data. Health Canada takes a more precautionary approach, while the U.S. FDA, which previously deemed BHT safe at low levels, is now re-evaluating many food additives.

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling or becoming rancid, which helps to extend the shelf life of processed foods like cereals, snack foods, and baked goods.

For products sold in Canada, it is highly unlikely to find BHT on the ingredients list of food items. However, for imported products or cosmetics, you should check the ingredients label for 'butylated hydroxytoluene' or the code 'E321'.

No, while the use of BHT in food is banned, small amounts are still permitted in some cosmetics sold in Canada. Additionally, it can be used in some food packaging materials, though this is also regulated by Health Canada.

Many food manufacturers use natural antioxidants such as rosemary extract, Vitamin E (tocopherols), and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as alternatives to BHT to preserve the freshness of their products.

Yes, following growing consumer concerns, some major food companies, including General Mills for certain cereals, have voluntarily phased out BHT from their products.

Yes, products imported into Canada must comply with Canadian food and drug regulations, meaning food containing BHT cannot be legally sold in Canadian grocery stores. However, cosmetics and packaging have different rules.