TBHQ Added To Protect Flavor

TBHQ, or tert-Butylhydroquinone, is a synthetic antioxidant. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder. TBHQ is manufactured through a chemical process involving the reaction of hydroquinone with tert-butyl alcohol.

TBHQ is added to foods to prevent oxidation, which can cause fats and oils to go rancid and spoil the flavor. It helps extend the shelf life of products containing fats and oils. It is commonly found in processed foods such as fried snacks, baked goods, and some processed meats.

In the US, TBHQ is approved by the FDA as a food additive and is also generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as a preservative. It is permitted in food at levels up to 0.02% of the oil or fat content. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated TBHQ. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, some studies have raised questions about its effects at very high doses, though these are not typically encountered through normal food consumption.