High Risk Ingredient

BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)

Score impact: −20 pts per affected product

Synthetic antioxidant. Hepatotoxic at high doses; potential endocrine-disrupting effects under discussion.

Score Rationale

Deduction reflects hepatotoxicity shown in animal studies at high doses, potential endocrine disruption, and synergistic risk when combined with BHA (both often appear together). EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake but noted data gaps for long-term multi-generation exposure relevant to pet feeding.

Scientific Evidence

Emerging evidence

· EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (2012). Scientific opinion on the re-evaluation of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, E 321). EFSA Journal 10(3):2588.
· Lanigan RS & Yamarik TA (2002). Final report on the safety assessment of BHT. International Journal of Toxicology 21(Suppl 2):19–94.

Affected Products (0 of 60)

None of the 60 reviewed products have been identified with this risk factor. It is included because it appears in commercial cat food and is worth checking when reading labels.