TBHQ And Citric Acid

TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic antioxidant. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits, but most commercial citric acid is produced by fermenting a sugar-rich substrate with a specific strain of mold.

TBHQ is added to foods to prevent oxidation, which can cause fats and oils to spoil and develop off-flavors. It is often used in combination with citric acid, which can help to boost its antioxidant activity. They are commonly found in processed foods containing fats and oils, such as vegetable oils, snack foods, baked goods, and cereals.

TBHQ is approved by the FDA as a food additive and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used within specified limits. Studies in animals have shown that very high doses of TBHQ can cause adverse effects, but these doses are far higher than typically consumed by humans. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated TBHQ, and both have established acceptable daily intake levels. Some research has explored potential links between TBHQ and health outcomes, but evidence is mixed and more research is needed.