Tertiary-Butylhydroquinone (Tbhq)
Also known as: E319, Tert-butyl-1‚4-benzenediol, Butylhydroxinon, TBHQ, Tert-Butylhydroquinone
TBHQ is FDA-permitted under 21 CFR 172.185 with a strict limit of 0.02% of fat/oil content. EFSA established an ADI of 0.7 mg/kg bw/day.
What it is
Synthetic phenolic antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone, used to retard oxidation of fats and oils.
Antioxidant preservative for fats, oils, and fat-containing foods; extends shelf life.
Why it's flagged
- animal studies link to forestomach tumors at high dose
- may impair immune function (Vandenberg/EWG/CSPI reviews)
- linked to food intolerance reactions in sensitive individuals
- regulated quantity limit under 21 CFR
What regulators actually say
"TBHQ may be safely used as an antioxidant in food provided that... the antioxidant content of any food is not over 0.02 percent of the oil or fat content of the food, including the essential (volatile) oil content of the food."
"An ADI of 0–0.7 mg/kg bw was allocated for TBHQ."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted under 21 CFR 172.185, limited to 0.02% of fat or oil content (including essential (volatile) oil) of the food.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E319; ADI 0.7 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2004).
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