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| E-Number | E319 |
| FDA Status | FDA-approved at levels not exceeding 0.02% of the fat or oil content (21 CFR 172.185). FDA classifies it as a food addit… |
| EFSA Status | EFSA set an ADI of 0.7 mg/kg body weight/day in 2004. Approved in the EU with restricted maximum levels. |
| ADI | 0.7 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA/JECFA) |
| Severity | Moderate Risk (7/10) |
| Category | Preservative |
A synthetic antioxidant used to extend shelf life of oils, fats, and processed foods. It is a derivative of hydroquinone and is often used in combination with BHA and BHT.
TBHQ inhibits lipid peroxidation by donating hydrogen atoms to free radicals. Some in vitro studies suggest TBHQ may affect immune cell function at high concentrations. A 2019 study found TBHQ may interfere with T-cell mediated immune responses, though the dose levels studied were higher than typical dietary exposure.
FDA-approved at levels not exceeding 0.02% of the fat or oil content (21 CFR 172.185). FDA classifies it as a food additive rather than GRAS.
EFSA set an ADI of 0.7 mg/kg body weight/day in 2004. Approved in the EU with restricted maximum levels.
Banned in: Japan
Restricted in: EU (restricted amounts) Canada
⚠️ Legal in the United States
| # | Product | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FROSTED STRAWBERRY TOASTER PASTRIES, FROSTED STRAWBERRY | The Kellogg Company | 0/100 |
| 2 | MARUCHAN, INSTANT LUNCH, RAMAN NOODLES WITH VEGETABLES, CHICKEN VEGETABLE | Maruchan, Inc. | 0/100 |
| 3 | CHICKEN FLAVOR BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN | Unilever Bestfoods North America | 0/100 |
| 4 | FROOT LOOPS FLAVOR TOASTER PASTRIES, FROOT LOOPS | The Kellogg Company | 0/100 |
| 5 | Kellogg's Pop-Tarts Chocolate Chip 14.7oz | Kellogg Company US | 0/100 |
| 6 | STUFFED GRILLED CHEESE | Heinz Frozen Food Company | 0/100 |
| 7 | STUFFED GRILLED CHEESE | Heinz Frozen Food Company | 0/100 |
| 8 | BEEF RAMEN NOODLE SOUP, BEEF | Maruchan, Inc. | 0/100 |
| 9 | RAMEN CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP BOWL, CHICKEN | Maruchan, Inc. | 0/100 |
| 10 | HOT & SPICY CHICKEN TORTILLA FLAVOR RAMEN NOODLE SOUP, HOT & SPICY CHICKEN TORTILLA | Maruchan, Inc. | 0/100 |
Showing top 10 of 406 products. Download CheckIt AI to scan any product.
Average safety score for products containing TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone): 39/100
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Download CheckIt AI — Scan Free →⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.
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CheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/tbhq"What Is TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-08. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/tbhq.<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/tbhq">What Is TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>@misc{checkit2026ingredientstbhq,
title = {What Is TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI},
author = {CheckIt AI},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Climaverse PBC},
url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/tbhq},
note = {Retrieved 2026-03-08}
}