The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing chemical preservatives commonly found in processed foods, including BHA, BHT, and azodicarbonamide, amid concerns over potential health risks. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said assessments suggest BHA may be carcinogenic, and noted that the compound is also used in rubber, plastic, and glue.

“About 4,600 different types of food…have BHA,” Makary told The Daily Wire. He added that BHT, frequently used in cereal, is known to disrupt hormones, while azodicarbonamide, a dough conditioner, is the same chemical used to create air bubbles in yoga mats and springy soles in shoes.

These preservatives were widely used in U.S. foods under the FDA’s GRAS (generally recognized as safe) rule, which allowed manufacturers to self-certify chemicals as safe. Makary criticized the loophole, saying it allowed companies to add chemicals for shelf life rather than flavor, without rigorous testing. He emphasized that alternatives exist and would not increase costs for producers.

The FDA is also updating labeling standards, particularly for claims such as “no artificial dyes.” Makary said the agency clarified the meaning of these labels and recently approved two new natural dyes to replace petroleum-based options, providing parents with clearer guidance when shopping for children.

The review and labeling changes aim to align U.S. food safety practices more closely with European standards, addressing longstanding health concerns related to chemical preservatives in processed foods.