INS 321 is BHT, short for butylated hydroxytoluene. It is a synthetic antioxidant used to keep fats, oils, and dry mixes from going rancid, often paired with BHA (INS 320) for stronger protection. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories with restrictions.
INS 321 is BHT, short for butylated hydroxytoluene. It is a synthetic antioxidant used to keep fats, oils, and dry mixes from going rancid, often paired with BHA (INS 320) for stronger protection.
Brands use it because it works at very low concentrations and stays stable through baking and frying. It is common in oily snacks, packaged baked goods, and anything with a long shelf life that contains fat.
INS 321 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
BHT is produced by chemical synthesis from p-cresol and isobutylene. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as an antioxidant under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories, with category-specific upper limits often expressed as a combined synthetic-antioxidant maximum.
JECFA: ADI 0-0.3 mg/kg body weight established at the 44th JECFA (1995), based on effects in 2-generation rat reproduction studies and hepatic enzyme induction. EFSA's 2012 re-evaluation set a similar ADI of 0.25 mg/kg bw based on a thresholded mode of action.
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 321 is also called:
Last verified: 2026-04-29.