tbhq
Common names: TBHQ, tert-Butylhydroquinone, tert-Butyl-1,4-benzenediol, E319 (European food additive code).
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KIDSADVISORY SAFETY RATING
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Risky
Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a synthetic antioxidant widely used in the food industry to prevent oxidative rancidity in fats and oils, thereby extending shelf life and preserving flavor. It is commonly added to products such as vegetable oils, margarine, and processed snacks.[1] TBHQ is also utilized in non-food applications, including cosmetics and industrial products, due to its stabilizing properties.[2]
While regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have deemed TBHQ safe for consumption at concentrations up to 0.02% of the oil or fat content in foods, some studies suggest potential health concerns associated with high doses or prolonged exposure. These concerns include cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and immunotoxic effects observed in animal studies. However, these effects are typically associated with doses much higher than those permitted in food products. Overall, TBHQ is considered safe for use within the established regulatory limits.[3]
While regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have deemed TBHQ safe for consumption at concentrations up to 0.02% of the oil or fat content in foods, some studies suggest potential health concerns associated with high doses or prolonged exposure. These concerns include cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and immunotoxic effects observed in animal studies. However, these effects are typically associated with doses much higher than those permitted in food products. Overall, TBHQ is considered safe for use within the established regulatory limits.[3]
Safety Overview
Regulatory Bodies
FDA (US)
The Food and Drug Administration permits the use of TBHQ as an antioxidant in foods, with concentrations not exceeding 0.02% of the oil or fat content. This regulation ensures that TBHQ is used within safe limits to prevent oxidative rancidity in food products.[4]
Health Canada
Health Canada allows TBHQ to be used as an antioxidant in fats and oils, lard, and shortening at concentrations up to 0.02%, either alone or in combination with other antioxidants like BHA, BHT, and propyl gallate. This regulation aligns with international standards to ensure the safety and stability of food products.[5]
EFSA (Europe)
The European Food Safety Authority has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for TBHQ at 0.7 mg/kg body weight. This ADI is based on comprehensive evaluations to ensure consumer safety across various population groups.[6]
WHO (World Health Organization)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has set an ADI for TBHQ at 0.7 mg/kg body weight, consistent with EFSA’s assessment. This global standard helps harmonize safety evaluations and regulations across different countries.[7]
FDA GRAS
U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Current Status
Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is not classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Instead, TBHQ is regulated as a food additive, and its use is permitted under specific conditions—namely, at levels not exceeding 0.02% of the oil or fat content in foods, as outlined in 21 CFR §172.185. This distinction means TBHQ required formal approval based on toxicological evaluations rather than self-affirmation or scientific consensus alone, as is typical for GRAS substances.[4]
EWG Rating
Environmental Working Group
- EWG Rating: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns TBHQ a high concern rating in food products [8].
- Level of Caution: EWG recommends caution when consuming products containing TBHQ due to potential health risks.[8]
- Possible Health Risks: Studies suggest TBHQ may harm the immune system and weaken the effectiveness of vaccines.[9]
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More about tbhq
FAQ
What is TBHQ?
TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the freshness of processed foods.
What is TBHQ in food?
In food, TBHQ helps prevent fats and oils from oxidizing, thereby extending shelf life and preventing rancidity.
Is TBHQ bad for you?
TBHQ is considered safe in small amounts, but high doses have raised health concerns in some studies.
TBHQ—what is it?
TBHQ is a food additive used to stabilize and preserve the quality of oils and fats in processed products.
What foods contain TBHQ?
TBHQ is commonly found in frozen meals, snack foods, fast food items, and processed baked goods.
References
- GC Chemicals (n.d.) 'TBHQ (Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone) | Allied Products' Available at: https://www.gcchemicals.com/tbhq-fcc.html ↩︎
- Khezerlou A., et al. (2022). Alarming impact of the excessive use of tert-butylhydroquinone in food products: A narrative review. Toxicology Reports, 9:1066-1075. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9764193/ ↩︎
- Esazadeh K., et al. (2024). Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl gallate as synthetic food antioxidants. Food Science & Nutrition, 12(10):7004-7016. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.4373 ↩︎
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 - TBHQ. Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-172/subpart-B/section-172.185 ↩︎
- Health Canada. (2024). List of Permitted Preservatives (Lists of Permitted Food Additives). Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/11-preservatives.html ↩︎
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food (2015) 'Refined exposure estimates of tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (E 319)', EFSA Journal, 13(3), p. 4363. Available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4363 ↩︎
- World Health Organization. (1997). Tertiary Butylhydroquinone. Available at: https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/236 ↩︎
- Van Esch, G. (1986) 'Toxicology of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 24(10-11), pp. 1063-1065. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3542758/ ↩︎
- World Health Organization. (1998). 'Butylhydroquinone, tert- (TBHQ)', WHO Food Additives Series 40. Available at: https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v040je02.htm ↩︎
- Michigan State University. Preservative tBHQ. Available at: https://cris.msu.edu/news/tbhq/ ↩︎
- Nemeth K, et al. (2022). Chronic Exposure to the Food Additive tBHQ Modulates Expression of Genes Related to SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses. Life, 12(5):642. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9147452/ ↩︎
- Rockwell, C., Gangur, V., Pestka, J., Para, R., and Turley, A., 2014. 'The Nrf2 activator, tBHQ, exacerbates immediate hypersensitivity response to food allergen', The Journal of Immunology, 192(1_Supplement), p.119.30. Available at: https://journals.aai.org/jimmunol/article/192/1_Supplement/119.30/53081/The-Nrf2-activator-tBHQ-exacerbates-immediate ↩︎
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