The FDA is taking a closer look at the safety of two food chemicals: butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and azodicarbonamide (ADA). This move comes as part of a broader plan to review food ingredients based on their risk to public health. BHT serves as a preservative in items like frozen meals, breakfast cereals, and chewing gum, while ADA is used in breadmaking and as a whitening agent in flour. It’s often dubbed the “yoga mat” chemical due to its presence in foam-like plastics.
This reassessment reflects growing public concern over chemical use in food. Former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized the need for a science-based review of these additives. “Americans deserve rigorous oversight,” he stated, stressing transparency in the approval process. The FDA is also reassessing other chemicals, including BHA and Orange B dye, indicating a broader shift towards stricter regulation.
In Europe, both BHT and ADA face heavy restrictions. ADA was banned in 2005 over its potential health risks, while BHT is only permitted in specific food categories. The FDA’s new approach follows concerns raised by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the current approval system.
The American Bakers Association, representing U.S. baked goods manufacturers, reports that most of its members (about 95%) are on track to phase out ADA by the end of 2026. Interestingly, though BHT is widely used, there’s limited data on its overall usage in the food industry.
BHT has been in the spotlight since its approval in 1954, and its “Generally Recognized as Safe” status has recently come under scrutiny. Critics argue that safety evaluations should be updated as new scientific data emerges.
A recent survey indicates that concern over food safety is growing among consumers. According to a Poll from the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of Americans worry about chemical additives in their food. The FDA’s reassessment program aims to address these concerns directly, prioritizing ingredient reviews based on potential risks rather than solely consumer apprehensions. This change marks an important step towards ensuring the safety of the U.S. food supply.
As Kyle Diamantas, Acting FDA Commissioner, stated, “This program gives Americans confidence that we are keeping our food safe.” With these changes, the FDA hopes to foster a more transparent food safety landscape.
