**Executive Summary**
This document addresses Unstarred Question No. 820 in Lok Sabha, answered on 04.02.2026, regarding the ban of Azodicarbonamide (ADA) and Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) in food products. It outlines the Government's position on the use of these additives based on food safety regulations and international standards. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution responds to questions about scientific studies linking ADA and BHA to health issues and the potential for stricter regulation.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **ADA and BHA Usage:**
* Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is permitted in flours and starches, except for atta, maida, and corn starch.
* Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is permitted for use in several food products including bakery products.
* **International Standards:**
* BHA is permitted for use as per CODEX, EU, and US-FDA.
* ADA is permitted for use as per CODEX, EU.
* **Food Safety Standards:**
* Food safety standards are based on scientific opinion from independent risk assessment bodies.
* Standards are harmonized with internationally accepted Codex standards.
* Standards are reviewed periodically based on scientific evidence and recognized global practices.
**Impact Analysis**
**Food Manufacturers and Bakeries**
**Impact**
Manufacturers and bakeries are impacted by regulations regarding the use of ADA and BHA in their products.
**Action Required**
They must comply with the permissible usage levels and categories as outlined in Food Safety and Standards regulations and ensure their products adhere to international standards.
**Consumers**
**Impact**
Consumers are affected by the levels of additives in food products and the potential health risks associated with them.
**Action Required**
Consumers can stay informed about food safety standards and potential risks associated with food additives, and they should report any issues or concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: Indian government ministry responsible for consumer affairs, food, and public distribution.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Statutory body responsible for regulating and supervising food safety in India.
Azodicarbonamide (ADA): Food additive used as a flour-bleaching and dough-strengthening agent.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA): A preservative used in bakery and packaged food products.
Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011: Indian regulation setting standards for food products and food additives.
Government of India
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Department of Consumer Affairs
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.820
TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.02.2026
BAN ON AZODICARBONAMIDE & BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE IN FOOD PRODUCTS
820. SHRI ESWARASAMY K:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of global scientific studies linking the food additives
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) commonly used as a flour-bleaching and dough-strengthening agent in
bread and Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) a preservative used in bakery and packaged food
products, with cancer, allergies, and respiratory illnesses;
(b) whether ADA has been completely banned in many countries while BHA is under strict regulation
globally and if so, the reasons for permitting it in the Country;
(c) whether the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has undertaken any recent
reassessment of permissible limits for ADA and BHA in view of updated toxicological evidence and if
so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government proposes a complete ban on ADA in bread and stronger regulation of BHA to
protect public health; and
(e) if so, the timeline for revising standards and ensuring strict enforcement and compliance from all food
manufacturers and bakeries across the country?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI B.L.VERMA)
(a) : As per Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011,
use of Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is permitted in flours and starches (except atta, maida and corn starch) food
category.
Butylated Hydroxy anisole (BHA) is permitted for use in several food products including Bakery products.
(b) to (e) : BHA is permitted for use as per CODEX, EU and US-FDA and ADA is permitted for use as per
CODEX, EU.
The food safety standards are made based on the scientific opinion provided by independent risk
assessment bodies i.e. Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee and are harmonized with internationally
accepted Codex standards. Further, the standards are also reviewed time to time on the basis of the available
scientific evidence and recognized global best practices.
******