tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) (E319) — What You Need to Know
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)?
TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant derived from hydroquinone, used primarily to extend the shelf life of oils and fat-containing processed foods. It is not authorized as a food additive in the EU or Japan, but is permitted in the United States and several other countries at limited concentrations. It is one of the more controversial synthetic antioxidants still in widespread use.
What Is It Used For?
Prevents oxidation and rancidity in cooking oils, fried foods, and fat-containing snack products. Commonly found in US fast food and packaged food products.
Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
Not authorized in the EU as a food additive. FDA allows use up to 0.02% of fat content. High doses in animal studies caused stomach tumors in rats and damage to DNA. Some studies link to immune system effects — a 2019 EWG report highlighted concerns about TBHQ affecting immune response. NTP found equivocal evidence of carcinogenicity. Often used in US fast food and snack products where it is absent from EU equivalents. Consumer advocacy groups like CSPI recommend avoiding it.
eNumbers.org currently assigns tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) an editorial context label of Questionable with a score of 4/10. This is 3.1 points below the database average for antioxidants (7.1/10). Dataset reference year: 2019. The dataset's population estimate equals about 0.4% of the listed ADI.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E319 or 'tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E319
- INS Number
- 319
- Category
- Antioxidants
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- Approved
- EFSA Status
- Not authorized
- ADI
- 0.7 mg/kg bw/day
- Dataset Review
- 2019
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Quick Links
Related Additives
Other antioxidants in the same family