FDA Moves To Reevaluate Controversial Food Preservatives In American Products

For decades, Americans have eaten processed foods containing ingredients they can barely pronounce and rarely question. Now, the federal government is taking a closer look at one of them.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing several widely used food preservatives, including BHA, a chemical found in thousands of products across the American food supply. Officials say the move is part of a broader effort to tighten food safety standards and make labels clearer for families.

The announced it will reassess butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a preservative commonly added to processed foods to extend shelf life.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said BHA appears in roughly 4,600 different food products in the United States. Beyond food, the compound is also used in materials like rubber, plastic, and adhesives.

A previous assessment from the National Toxicology Program concluded there is a “reasonable anticipation” that BHA may be carcinogenic. While that language does not confirm direct cancer causation in humans, it has prompted renewed scrutiny.

In addition to BHA, regulators are examining:

• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), another preservative commonly found in cereals and snack foods, which some research suggests may act as a hormone disruptor.

• Azodicarbonamide, a dough conditioner used in baked goods that is also employed in manufacturing foam products such as yoga mats and certain footwear.

Many European countries have already restricted or banned these compounds under stricter food additive regulations. The FDA’s review signals a potential shift toward aligning American standards more closely with those in Europe.

Part of the controversy centers on a longstanding FDA rule known as GRAS “Generally Recognized As Safe.”

Originally intended to cover basic ingredients like salt or vinegar, the rule allowed companies to self-affirm certain additives as safe without undergoing extensive independent review. Over time, critics argue, that framework expanded far beyond its original purpose.

Public health advocates have increasingly questioned whether the GRAS system provides sufficient oversight, particularly as chronic illnesses such as cancer and metabolic disorders have risen over the past several decades. According to federal health data, approximately 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime, underscoring why even potential carcinogens attract serious attention.

While no immediate bans have been announced, the FDA’s reassessment reflects growing pressure to reevaluate older approvals in light of modern research.

Beyond preservatives, the FDA is also implementing new labeling rules, particularly regarding artificial dyes.

Under updated guidance:

• The label “no artificial dyes” must strictly mean no artificial dyes.

• Products using natural color sources will be allowed to advertise that distinction clearly.

• Two new natural dye alternatives have recently been approved for use.

For parents navigating grocery aisles, clearer labeling could reduce confusion. Surveys consistently show that a majority of Americans want simpler, more transparent ingredient lists, especially in products marketed to children.

Food manufacturers argue that preservatives have historically helped maintain shelf stability and prevent spoilage, which can reduce food waste. However, FDA officials say alternatives to the compounds under review are available at comparable cost, meaning reformulation would not necessarily increase prices.

The FDA has not yet announced specific timelines for regulatory action. Reviews of food additives can take months or longer as scientists assess available data and consult with advisory panels.

Still, the move signals a broader recalibration of food safety oversight. In recent years, Americans have grown increasingly skeptical of processed foods and complex ingredient lists. The U.S. food industry generates more than $1 trillion annually, and even modest regulatory shifts can ripple across thousands of products.

Whether the FDA ultimately restricts BHA, BHT, or azodicarbonamide remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the era of unquestioned acceptance of chemical preservatives appears to be fading.

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