Back to catalogSafety
E319AntioxidantModerate concern
TBHQ
In plain words
The short version
Tertiary butylhydroquinone — a potent synthetic antioxidant common in fried snacks and frozen foods, with some safety debates.
Why we flag it amber
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–0.7 mg/kg body weight (JECFA). Banned in Japan and some EU member-state derogations for specific products. Animal studies at high chronic doses have shown forestomach lesions; the human relevance is debated. A 2021 Nature paper proposed immune-system effects at relevant exposures, fueling ongoing scientific discussion.
The detail
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.