TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) Side Effects

TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) is a preservative / antioxidant with 1 high-severity side effects. Found in 5 products in our database. FDA allows up to 0.

5
Known Side Effects
5
Products Contain It
1
High Severity
4
Safer Alternatives

What Is TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)?

TBHQ is a synthetic preservative derived from butane, used in processed foods to extend shelf life. Studies have linked it to weakened immune response and potential tumor growth.

Also known as:
Tertiary ButylhydroquinoneE319tert-Butylhydroquinone

Known Side Effects

Moderate Nausea and vomiting at higher doses
Moderate Liver enlargement
Moderate Neurotoxic effects
High Risk Weakened immune response
Moderate Possible link to stomach tumors

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA Status

FDA allows up to 0.02% of oil/fat content. Found in many processed foods, fast food, and cooking oils.

🇪🇺 EU Status

Restricted to low levels. Banned in Japan.

Scientific References

  1. Studies showing TBHQ reduces immune response to infections
  2. EWG concerns about TBHQ in processed foods
  3. Animal studies on stomach tumor promotion

Products Containing TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) (5 found)

These products were found to contain tbhq (tertiary butylhydroquinone) or its variants in our database of 26,000+ grocery products.

#ProductBrandScore
1BUTTERY SMOOTH TEXTURED CRACKERS, BUTTERY SMOOTHWal-Mart Stores, Inc.20/100
2MULTI-GRAIN CRACKERS, MULTI-GRAINWal-Mart Stores, Inc.22/100
3MINIATURES MILK CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER CUPS, MILK CHOCOLATE; PEANUT BUTTERThe Hershey Company50/100
4PITA OVER BAKED CRACKERS, PITAKeebler Company63/100
5MILK CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER CREME SANTAS, MILK CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER CREMEThe Hershey Company78/100

Safer Alternatives to TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)

Rosemary extractVitamin E (tocopherols)Citric acidGreen tea extract (EGCG)
📬

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of TBHQ?
TBHQ has been linked to nausea, liver enlargement, neurotoxic effects, weakened immune response, and potential stomach tumors. It is restricted or banned in several countries.

⚕️ Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Side effect data is compiled from published scientific studies and regulatory assessments. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Last updated: 2026-03-05.

Other Ingredient Side Effects

Red 40 (Allura Red AC) Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) Red 3 (Erythrosine) Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine) Aspartame Sucralose Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) All Ingredient Side Effects Banned in Europe Ingredient Encyclopedia
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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/side-effects/tbhq
MLA"TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/side-effects/tbhq.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/side-effects/tbhq">TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026sideeffectstbhq, title = {TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/side-effects/tbhq}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }