Q. Most cereals state that BHT is used to "preserve freshness." I've read that BHT is a dangerous chemical. If this is so, how come the powers-that-be
allow BHT to be used?
C.J.A., Port Orange, Fla.
A. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a preservative. It acts as an antioxidant - that is, it tries to stop the damage done to food by oxygen. BHT is particularly effective in inhibiting oils from becoming rancid. Its main function, then, is to extend the shelf-life of food.
A package of cereal, potato chips, bread, or what have you, can state, and often does, that there are no preservatives added to the product. However, in little print somewhere you might read, "To help preserve the freshness BHT is added to the packaging material." But, according to an article in the February 1985 issue of Food Processing, "When added to the packaging material, the anti-oxidant (BHT) vaporizes from the package and diffuses throughout the cereal product." So even though the BHT is not added directly to the product, it ends up in the product indirectly.
I would not call BHT a "dangerous chemical," but its safety is a matter of controversy since it's added to so many foods and it does accumulate in body fat.
Peter Phelps of Kellogg's consumer affairs department, when asked why BHT is permitted in cereals and other food products, responded, "Because scientists at the FDA have evaluated the scientific evidence for safety of this compound and concluded that it is safe and useful in this application. We believe that the FDA scientists are among the most expert in the world in this regard, and we trust their judgment in these matters."
Conversely, Michael Jacobson, in Eater's Digest, feels that BHT, and its ally BHA, have not been adequately tested and cannot be generally recognized as safe. "Purchase your food carefully," he advises, "and reduce your consumption of these antioxidants."
Some of Kellogg's products do not contain BHT. These are: Raisin Bran, All- Bran, Bran Buds, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Honey Smacks, Fruitful Bran, Bran Flakes and Nutri-Grain.
Q. Where can I find steel-cut oatmeal? For years I bought Elam's from the grocery chain stores, but they stopped. G.N.C. has also stopped. I would appreciate it if any one of your readers could help me.
Mary Arndt
Michigan City, Ind.
A. I asked the Quaker Oats Company what they could tell me about the oats you seek, and Susan Plantz, a consumer specialist, responded:
