TBHQ Preservative And Sodium Benzoate Preservatives

TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic antioxidant. It is made from hydroquinone and isobutylene. Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in some fruits.

TBHQ is used to prevent oils and fats from going rancid, extending the shelf life of foods. Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods and beverages. They are often found in processed foods with fats and oils, like baked goods, snack foods, and some processed meats.

In the U.S., TBHQ is approved as a food additive and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA in limited amounts. Sodium benzoate is also approved by the FDA and is GRAS. Both substances have been evaluated by international bodies like JECFA and EFSA. Some studies have raised questions about potential health effects at very high doses, but regulatory agencies consider them safe at levels typically found in food.