FDA Assesses BHA

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently launched a major reassessment of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), which is a common chemical preservative that is sometimes added to food. In order to reassess whether BHA is safe to use in food and as a food contact substance based on scientific information, the FDA issued a request for information on the use of BHA. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has said that BHA has been identified by the National Toxicology Program as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on animal studies. If you were harmed by a chemical additive like BHA, you should consult seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. We represent clients across the country, and billions have been secured in lawsuits with which we’ve been involved.

Call Moll Law Group About Your BHA Claim

The FDA has instigated a strong program to go over the chemicals that are currently in the food supply. BHA was identified as a top priority for this program. Kennedy has stated that if BHA doesn’t meet “gold standard science for its current uses” it will be removed from the food supply—he also said that they would continue cleaning up other additives to try to reduce children’s exposure. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has said that once the BHA assessment is completed, a similar assessment will be launched to review butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and azodicarbonamide, which is used to condition dough and found in yoga mats. The Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, Kyle Diamantas, assured the public that the post-market assessment of BHA reflects a proactive food safety approach.

In 1958, the FDA listed BHA as Generally Recognized as Safe. In 1961, it was approved as a food additive to stop fats and oils from spoiling. Today, it is found in potato chips, breakfast cereals, cookies, candies, ice cream, frozen meals, and meat products. The use of BHA has gotten lower in recent times, but it is still in food products like those marketed to kids. Health advocates have raised the possibilities that BHA is unsafe. It has previously been recommended for reassessment.

Post-market review of chemical additives in food has been named a key priority by the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s Strategy Report. In addition, the FDA has advanced draft rulemaking to reform its framework to try to drive greater food supply transparency.

If you were made ill and suspect it is the result of exposure to BHA or another chemical additive in your food, you should discuss what happened with a seasoned lawyer. We may be able to establish a food safety or product liability claim and recover damages on your behalf. Food can be defective in how it’s manufactured, designed, or marketed. Generally speaking, food that includes a carcinogenic additive is likely to have a design flaw; in most cases, an expert is needed to determine whether the flaw constitutes an actionable defect.

Consult an Experienced Environmental Safety Attorney

Call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group to determine whether you have a viable basis to sue.  When our firm is able to establish a manufacturer’s liability for creating a defective product, we may be able to recover economic and noneconomic damages on your behalf. We dedicate ourselves to fighting for people around the country. Complete our online form or call us at 312.462.1700.