TBHQ

Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a synthetic antioxidant. It is a chemical compound produced through a chemical reaction involving hydroquinone and tert-butanol.

Manufacturers add TBHQ to foods to prevent fats and oils from going rancid, which extends the product's shelf life. It is commonly found in processed foods that contain fats, such as crackers, snack foods, and frozen meals.

In the United States, TBHQ is an FDA-approved food additive used as an antioxidant, with specific limits for its use in various foods. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated TBHQ and established an acceptable daily intake. Similarly, EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated TBHQ and set an acceptable daily intake. While some studies have raised questions about high doses in animal models, major food safety authorities consider TBHQ safe at the levels permitted in food, and the evidence for adverse effects in humans at typical intake levels is mixed or not conclusive.