Is E320 halal?

What is E320?

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant made from petrochemical raw materials. It is a white, waxy solid that dissolves in fats but not in water. Small amounts slow down rancidity in fats, oils and foods that contain them.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

BHA is made entirely by chemical synthesis, with no animal ingredient or alcohol, so it is generally treated as halal. The questions around BHA are about safety rather than religion, and in the EU it is allowed only in a limited range of foods.

How to check the label

No special check is needed for halal purposes. If you prefer to avoid it for health reasons, look for “BHA”, “butylated hydroxyanisole” or E320 in the ingredients.

Where you'll find it

• chewing gum
• frying fats
• dried soup mixes

Good to know

• In 2011 EFSA set an acceptable daily intake of 1.0 mg per kg of body weight per day, replacing an earlier 0.5 mg/kg.
• IARC classes BHA as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on forestomach tumours in rodents. EFSA considered such forestomach effects may not be relevant to humans.

Similar additives

• E220 Sulphur dioxide Generally halal
• E300 Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) Generally halal
• E102 Tartrazine Generally halal
• E110 Sunset Yellow FCF Generally halal
• E124 Ponceau 4R Generally halal
• E129 Allura Red AC Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA (E 320) (2011)
2. IARC evaluation of butylated hydroxyanisole (INCHEM summary)

Frequently asked questions