TBHQ - An Antioxidant

TBHQ, or tert-Butylhydroquinone, is a synthetic antioxidant. It is made from hydroquinone and isobutylene. It is a white or slightly colored crystalline powder.

Manufacturers add TBHQ to foods to prevent fats and oils from going rancid, which extends shelf life. It is often found in products containing fats and oils, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, baked goods, and processed snacks.

TBHQ is an FDA-approved food additive. The FDA has set limits on its use in food. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has also evaluated TBHQ and established an acceptable daily intake. Some studies in animals have shown potential health effects at very high doses, but these are not considered relevant to typical human consumption levels. Evidence on its long-term effects in humans is mixed.