{"id":25062,"date":"2023-10-02T18:36:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T10:36:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/?p=25062"},"modified":"2023-10-12T16:25:52","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T08:25:52","slug":"what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) In Foods?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chicken-nuggets-2693456_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"What Is Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) In Foods?\" class=\"wp-image-25121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chicken-nuggets-2693456_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chicken-nuggets-2693456_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chicken-nuggets-2693456_1280-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chicken-nuggets-2693456_1280-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chicken-nuggets-2693456_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In today&#8217;s world of processed and packaged foods, a mysterious acronym often finds its way onto ingredient labels &#8211; TBHQ. Tertiary Butylhydroquinone, or TBHQ for short, is a synthetic antioxidant that plays a crucial, albeit inconspicuous, role in many foods we enjoy today. Yes, that means TBHQ does not occur naturally in significant amounts in foods. This unassuming compound might not be a household name, but its presence is pervasive, contributing to the extended shelf life and preservation of countless food products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what exactly is tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in foods?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-678867930fac7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-678867930fac7\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#WHAT_IS_TERTIARY_BUTYLHYDROQUINONE_TBHQ_IN_FOODS\" title=\"WHAT IS TERTIARY BUTYLHYDROQUINONE (TBHQ) IN FOODS?\">WHAT IS TERTIARY BUTYLHYDROQUINONE (TBHQ) IN FOODS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#HOW_IS_IT_MADE\" title=\"HOW IS IT MADE?\">HOW IS IT MADE?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#FOODS_THAT_COMMONLY_CONTAIN_TERTIARY_BUTYLHYDROQUINONE_TBHQ\" title=\"FOODS THAT COMMONLY CONTAIN TERTIARY BUTYLHYDROQUINONE (TBHQ)\">FOODS THAT COMMONLY CONTAIN TERTIARY BUTYLHYDROQUINONE (TBHQ)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#Breakfast_cereals\" title=\"Breakfast cereals\">Breakfast cereals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#Processed_meats\" title=\"Processed meats\">Processed meats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#Fast_food_items\" title=\"Fast food items\">Fast food items<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#Snacks\" title=\"Snacks\">Snacks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#Cooking_oils\" title=\"Cooking oils\">Cooking oils<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#Processed_Nuts\" title=\"Processed Nuts\">Processed Nuts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#Baked_goods\" title=\"Baked goods\">Baked goods<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#SAFETY_CONCERNS\" title=\"SAFETY CONCERNS\">SAFETY CONCERNS<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#Allergic_reactions\" title=\"Allergic reactions\">Allergic reactions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/#Carcinogenicity\" title=\"Carcinogenicity\">Carcinogenicity<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WHAT_IS_TERTIARY_BUTYLHYDROQUINONE_TBHQ_IN_FOODS\"><\/span><strong>WHAT IS TERTIARY BUTYLHYDROQUINONE (TBHQ) IN FOODS?<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Antioxidants found in food play a crucial role in halting or decelerating oxidative reactions. <a href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/food-science\/the-chemistry-of-fats-and-oils-oxidation-in-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oxidation<\/a>, a chemical process, has the potential to induce the deterioration of fats, oils, and other constituents within food, resulting in spoilage, the emergence of undesirable flavors, and the degradation of nutrients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In large-scale food manufacturing, many companies favor synthetic antioxidants over naturally derived antioxidants (vitamins and citrus extracts). They typically do so because synthetic ones are cost-effective and consistent in providing that function. An example of this is tertiary butlyhydroquinone or TBHQ.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tert-Butylhydroquinone-removebg-preview.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tert-Butylhydroquinone-removebg-preview.png 500w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tert-Butylhydroquinone-removebg-preview-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tert-Butylhydroquinone-removebg-preview-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tert-Butylhydroquinone-removebg-preview-270x270.png 270w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tert-Butylhydroquinone-removebg-preview-230x230.png 230w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tert-Butylhydroquinone-removebg-preview-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) chemical structure. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/TBHQ\">Via Pubchem<\/a><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is derived from hydroquinone, a naturally occurring phenolic compound (found in green tea). It consists of a hydroquinone core with a tertiary butyl group (t-butyl) attached to one of the hydroxyl groups. This t-butyl group enhances its stability and antioxidant properties.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>TBHQ is a white to pale, crystalline powder with a faint aromatic odor. Its primary function in food is to inhibit the oxidation of fats and oils by acting as a free radical scavenger. <gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons that can damage other molecules within the food matrix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When TBHQ comes into contact with free radicals, it readily donates a hydrogen atom from its hydroxyl group to neutralize the free radical, effectively stopping the chain reaction of oxidation. By interfering with this process,  the sensory characteristics and overall freshness of food products are retained. This is especially useful for those with longer shelf lives or that are prone to spoilage. <gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make it more effective, TBHQ is often used in combination with other antioxidants like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) or <a href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/the-top-8-foods-you-didnt-know-contain-bht\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)<\/a>.  These combinations can provide more comprehensive protection against various types of oxidation.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HOW_IS_IT_MADE\"><\/span><strong>HOW IS IT MADE?<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The production of TBHQ typically begins with the oxidation of p-cresol, a compound derived from petroleum. It is a colorless liquid with a strong phenolic odor. P-cresol is used in a variety of industrial applications, including the production of disinfectants, pesticides, and herbicides. The oxidation process involves the use of chemicals such as sulfuric acid and air or oxygen. In this reaction, p-cresol is transformed into hydroquinone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next step is the conversion of hydroquinone into tertiary butylhydroquinone. This is achieved by alkylating hydroquinone with isobutylene, an isomer of butene, using a strong acid catalyst like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. The reaction results in the replacement of a hydrogen atom in hydroquinone with a tertiary butyl group (t-butyl), forming TBHQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The synthesized TBHQ is then purified to remove any impurities or byproducts. This purification process typically involves washing, filtration, and crystallization. After purification, the TBHQ is often dissolved in a suitable solvent to create a concentrated solution, which can be used as an additive in various food products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s worth noting that the production of TBHQ requires careful control of reaction conditions and the use of specialized equipment to ensure the purity and safety of the final product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FOODS_THAT_COMMONLY_CONTAIN_TERTIARY_BUTYLHYDROQUINONE_TBHQ\"><\/span><strong>FOODS THAT COMMONLY CONTAIN TERTIARY BUTYLHYDROQUINONE (TBHQ)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/potato-chips-7999844_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/potato-chips-7999844_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/potato-chips-7999844_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/potato-chips-7999844_1280-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/potato-chips-7999844_1280-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/potato-chips-7999844_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Breakfast_cereals\"><\/span>Breakfast cereals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>High-fat breakfast cereals are prone to oxidative deterioration, which can lead to rancidity and the development of off-flavors.  But TBHQ&#8217;s chemistry allows it to effectively combat this issue by inhibiting the oxidation of fats and oils present in the cereal and its added ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Processed_meats\"><\/span>Processed meats<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Processed meats like hot dogs and sausages frequently include fats and oils that are prone to oxidation. TBHQ serves to prevent this process by capturing and neutralizing free radicals, which are extremely reactive molecules responsible for initiating the oxidative reactions responsible for the development of rancidity in fats and oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fast_food_items\"><\/span>Fast food items<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain fast-food chains incorporate TBHQ into the coatings of their fried chicken products (including chicken nuggets). This preserves the taste, texture, and overall quality of the fried batter. The process of frying exposes the chicken to high temperatures and oxygen, which can trigger oxidative reactions in the frying oil and the batter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Snacks\"><\/span>Snacks<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>TBHQ is frequently employed in the production of potato chips to enhance their shelf life and preserve their quality. When potato chips are fried in oil, the fats and oils used can be susceptible to oxidation. TBHQ is added to the chips to counteract this oxidation process, ensuring that the chips remain crisp and flavorful for an extended period after manufacture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cooking_oils\"><\/span>Cooking oils<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vegetable Oils, commonly used in various culinary applications, including deep frying, often incorporate TBHQ. This addition serves to significantly enhance the longevity and stability of cooking oils, ensuring they remain suitable for repeated use without rapid deterioration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from impeding oxidative reactions, it also helps retain the oil&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/food-science\/fats-oils-what-exactly-happens-at-smoke-point\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">smoke point<\/a>, and withstands extended periods of high-temperature cooking. This makes it a cost-effective choice for commercial food establishments.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it&#8217;s imperative to adhere to recommended guidelines for oil reuse and not solely rely on TBHQ to indefinitely prolong oil life. Even with TBHQ, oil quality will eventually deteriorate due to factors like food particle contamination and thermal breakdown. Therefore, regular oil filtration and replacement remain necessary to ensure food safety and the desired taste and texture of fried foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Processed_Nuts\"><\/span>Processed Nuts<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Processed nuts and seeds, ranging from roasted almonds to seasoned cashews, may incorporate TBHQ as an essential preservative. This addition plays a crucial role in maintaining the freshness and extending the shelf life of these delectable snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nuts&#8217; natural oils and fats are susceptible to oxidation. By introducing TBHQ into the processing of these snacks, manufacturers can effectively counteract this oxidation process. TBHQ acts as an antioxidant, stabilizing the fats and oils within the nuts and seeds, thus preserving their original flavor, texture, and aroma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Baked_goods\"><\/span>Baked goods<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bakery products sometimes contain TBHQ as an antioxidant and preservative. The fats and oils present are prone to oxidative reactions. TBHQ&#8217;s introduction into the production of bakery items addresses oxidation, a common challenge to fatty ingredients like butter and shortening. This practice is particularly prevalent in baked goods with elevated fat content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SAFETY_CONCERNS\"><\/span><strong>SAFETY CONCERNS<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Joint FAO\/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have conducted safety assessments of TBHQ. These agencies have deemed TBHQ safe for consumption in food products when used within established regulatory limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The FDA has set a usage limit for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/food\/food-additives-petitions\/food-additive-status-list\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TBHQ at 0.02% of fat\/oil content in foo<\/a>d. In the European Union, TBHQ is identified by the E number E319 and is an approved additive with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.efsa.europa.eu\/en\/efsajournal\/pub\/4363\">acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.7 mg\/kg body weight<\/a>. This standard was established by the JECFA in 1998.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While these regulatory bodies have generally deemed TBHQ safe when used as intended, some concerns persist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Allergic_reactions\"><\/span>Allergic reactions<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>TBHQ has been linked to occasional reports of allergic responses and skin sensitivities in a small subset of individuals. These allergic reactions may manifest as skin rashes, itching, and, in severe instances, gastrointestinal discomfort and respiratory difficulties. In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodbusinessnews.net\/articles\/8349-research-links-tbhq-to-allergies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">study<\/a> conducted in Michigan, it was observed that TBHQ can stimulate T cells, a component of the body&#8217;s immune system, to release specific proteins that could potentially induce allergies to foods like nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and shellfish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to emphasize that such occurrences are relatively uncommon.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Carcinogenicity\"><\/span>Carcinogenicity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some researches have revealed that TBHQ may be carcinogenic, especially at high doses. However, the evidence is ambiguous in this aspect, and more research is needed to establish a solid link between TBHQ and cancer.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>TBHQ has been recognized as a Group 3 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This indicates it is &#8220;not classifiable in terms of its carcinogenicity to humans.&#8221; This classification is based on the scant evidence of carcinogenicity in animals and the absence of carcinogenicity in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The FDA assessed the available information and found that, when used as recommended, TBHQ is safe for use as a food additive. The agency also stated that the levels of TBHQ found in food products are far lower than those found to be carcinogenic in animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It should be noted that all chemicals have the potential to be dangerous if eaten in large quantities. This is also true of TBHQ. TBHQ levels in food products, on the other hand, are extremely low. As a result, the risk of acquiring cancer from eating TBHQ is extremely low.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tertiary Butylhydroquinone, or TBHQ for short, is a synthetic antioxidant that plays a crucial, albeit inconspicuous, role in many foods we enjoy today. Yes, that means TBHQ does not occur naturally in significant amounts in foods. This unassuming compound might not be a household name, but its presence is pervasive, contributing to the extended shelf life and preservation of countless food products.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":25121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2708,1863],"tags":[4061,4060],"class_list":["post-25062","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food-additives","category-health","tag-tbhq","tag-tertiary-butylhydroquinone"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Is Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) In Foods? - The Food Untold<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tertiary Butylhydroquinone(TBHQ) is a synthetic antioxidant that plays a crucial, albeit inconspicuous, role in many foods we enjoy today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thefooduntold.com\/health\/what-is-tertiary-butylhydroquinone-tbhq-in-foods\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) In Foods? 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