High Risk Ingredient
BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)
Score impact: −20 pts per affected product
Synthetic antioxidant classified by the IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
Score Rationale
IARC Group 2B classification ("possibly carcinogenic") is the basis for the deduction. While acute toxicity is low, chronic dietary exposure is the concern — cat food is fed daily for years. Several countries have banned BHA from human food, and its presence in pet food is subject to ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Scientific Evidence
Established science
- · IARC Working Group (1986). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans: Some Naturally Occurring and Synthetic Food Components. Vol. 40. Lyon: IARC.
- · National Toxicology Program (2011). BHA. In: Report on Carcinogens, 12th Edition. Research Triangle Park, NC: US DHHS.
Affected Products (1 of 60)