Palm Oil With TBHQ For Freshness

Palm oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the fruit of oil palm trees. TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic antioxidant added to fats and oils, like palm oil, to help keep them fresh and prevent spoilage.

Manufacturers use palm oil as a common fat in many processed foods, such as snack bars, cookies, and cereals, because it's versatile and stable. TBHQ is added to the palm oil to prevent it from going rancid, which extends the product's shelf life.

Palm oil is a source of saturated fat; the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 recommend keeping saturated fat intake below 10% of daily calories. TBHQ is an FDA-approved food additive used as a preservative. JECFA has evaluated TBHQ and set an acceptable daily intake. While some discussions exist about its potential effects, major regulatory bodies consider it safe when used within approved limits.