E319 TBHQ (Tert-Butylhydroquinone)

E319AntioxidantsOrigin: Lab-made

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The short answer

TBHQ (E319) is a synthetic preservative that keeps frying oils and snacks from going rancid. It's legal in small amounts, but early research on the immune system makes it one to cut back on.

45/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE319

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesAntioxidants

Glycemic index—

Daily limit0.7 mg/kg

Also calledTBHQ, tBHQ

Snacks and oils without TBHQ

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Crackers without TBHQ

Many brands now protect their oil with vitamin E or rosemary.

Shop clean crackers Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Avocado oil for frying

A stable, high-heat oil sold without added preservatives.

Shop avocado oil Opens your country’s Amazon store

Health store

Organic instant noodles

Certified organic foods can't use TBHQ.

Shop organic noodles Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Allowed in the US at up to 0.02% of the fat in a food, alone or combined with BHA and BHT. The EU approved it in 2004 with a limit of 0.7 mg per kg of body weight a day. Japan does not allow it.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

49 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 0.7 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 14 mg a day.

What is it?

TBHQ is a strong antioxidant for fats. It holds up at frying temperatures, so it's common in fast-food oils, crackers and instant noodles. It's usually listed with the words "to preserve freshness."

Where it comes from: A lab-made antioxidant related to BHA, produced from hydroquinone, a petroleum-derived chemical.

Why it’s in food

Keeps frying oil from breaking down
Stops crackers and snacks from tasting stale
Extends shelf life of frozen fish and nuggets
Protects oils in instant noodles

Often found in

CrackersMicrowave popcornInstant noodlesFrozen fish and chicken nuggetsFast-food frying oilVegetable oil blends

Also listed as: TBHQ, tBHQ, Tert-butylhydroquinone, Tertiary butylhydroquinone, Tert-butyl hydroquinone, Butylhydroquinone

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewUnder study

EFSA found no cancer risk and set a daily limit of 0.7 mg per kg of body weight. Children who eat a lot of fried snacks can come close to it.

EFSA Journal (2004) 84

Immune systemUnder study

Lab and animal studies suggest TBHQ may weaken immune responses, including to flu vaccines in mice. Human evidence is lacking.

Naidenko et al., Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health (2021)

What can I use instead?

Mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)

Ratio: To label

Best for: Oils, snacks and frozen foods

Rosemary extract

Ratio: To label

Best for: Frying oils and meats

TBHQ vs Tocopherols

More antioxidants:

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) E300Ascorbic acid (E300) is plain vitamin C. It keeps food from browning and is one of the safest additives there is.Generally safe BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) E320BHA (E320) is a synthetic preservative that keeps fats fresh. The US National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."Best to avoid BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) E321BHT (E321) is a synthetic preservative in cereal and snacks. It's approved, but evidence on long-term effects is mixed, and many brands have dropped it.Use in moderation Propyl gallate E310Propyl gallate (E310) is a synthetic antioxidant that keeps oils and meats from going rancid, often paired with BHA and BHT. It's legal in small amounts, but the evidence on long-term safety is mixed.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is TBHQ safe?

Best to avoid (45/100). Allowed in the US at up to 0.02% of the fat in a food, alone or combined with BHA and BHT. The EU approved it in 2004 with a limit of 0.7 mg per kg of body weight a day. Japan does not allow it.

Is TBHQ vegan?

Yes.

Is TBHQ gluten-free?

Yes.

Is TBHQ banned anywhere?

Japan doesn't allow it. The US, Canada and the EU allow it with limits.

Can organic food contain TBHQ?

No. TBHQ is not on the list of substances allowed in certified organic food in the US or the EU.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 172.185 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E319
EFSA Journal (2004) 84
Naidenko et al., Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health (2021)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 319 · CAS 1948-33-0