What is BHT in whole grain cereal?

Assume whole grain shredded wheat is made from 100% wheat, nothing else. It may not be true. There may be BHT added to package material...

Whole grain shredded wheat is one of my favourite morning staples. The other day i surprisedly noticed there is another ingredient listed on the label of the store-bought cereal: BHT.

What is BHT?

BHT is butylated hydroxytoluene, a synthetic antioxidant preventing fats and vegetable oils from turning rancid. It may be directly added to foods though it is commonly added to the plastic or wax lining of the package foods.

How does “BHT added to package material” work?

No added oils or fats in whole grain shredded wheat, but whole wheat contains small amount of fat. BHT, which is added to package material rather than the cereal, is meant to migrate into the cereal preventing oxidation . Wording of BHT on the label is just a marketing trick.

Is BHT harmful?

Scientific research on the long-term effects of higher doses is still ongoing. There is no conclusive scientific evidence that BHT is harmful in the approved dose in the package food.

Regulations on BHT vary across regions. It is approved by FDA and Health Canada as food preservative, but is under severe restriction in Europe.

My takes

• Avoid package foods with BHT if possible

• If there is no option without BHT, transfer foods with BHT package to an airtight food storage container.