WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 26, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the Eliminating Dangerous Preservatives Act to crack down on harmful preservatives in our food supply and put the health of American families first.

The bill would ban butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) from food intended for human consumption by classifying food with these ingredients as adulterated under federal law. Manufacturers would have two years to reformulate their products before the ban takes effect.

"You should not need a chemistry degree to figure out what is in your food," said Congresswoman Mace. "Butylated hydroxyanisole. Butylated hydroxytoluene. Tertiary butylhydroquinone. Most Americans cannot even pronounce these preservatives, yet they are in the food on our grocery store shelves. Enough is enough. It is time to put American health ahead of corporate convenience. We are cleaning up America's food supply and holding manufacturers accountable."

The Eliminating Dangerous Preservatives Act would:

• Ban three preservatives from the food supply: Classify any food intended for human consumption containing BHA, BHT, or TBHQ as adulterated under federal law, banning their sale, manufacturing, and distribution.
• Give manufacturers two years to reformulate: Establish a two-year implementation freeze before new restrictions take effect.
• Require federal regulations: Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations implementing the new requirements.
• Demand accountability: Require a report to Congress three years after implementation detailing food manufacturers' reformulation efforts, and recommendations for additional legislative or regulatory action.

The Eliminating Dangerous Preservatives Act is part of Rep. Mace's broader Make America Healthy Again agenda, alongside the REAL Sugar Act, the PEPTIDES for Veterans Act, the SOUND Pesticide Research Act, the Pesticide Transparency on Federal Land Act, the Pesticide Harm Accountability Act, and the Pesticide Data Transparency Act.

SEE BILL TEXT BELOW:

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