What is TBHQ?
TBHQ is a food additive that removes the oxygen content from the fat and oil molecules and thus keeps the foods containing them fresh for a long time. TBHQ is not harmful if consumed in the amounts allowable by the FDA.
Chances are good that you may have not heard of TBHQ. However, if you check the labels of several pantry staples, you may find TBHQ listed as an ingredient. This common food additive has been used for decades to preserve the safety and nutritional quality of various everyday food products.
However, in the last few years, many have raised concerns over the potential health risks posed by TBHQ. If you're concerned about the safety of this food additive, know that it's safe as long as you take it in the recommended amounts. Of course, if you still wish to reduce your intake of TBHQ, you can switch to products that contain several other natural alternatives.
Oxidation causes food products to lose their quality, flavor, color, and nutritional content. In some cases, it can even turn edible items toxic. As an antioxidant food additive, TBHQ removes the oxygen content from the fat and oil molecules and thus keeps the foods containing them fresh for a long time.
TBHQ stands for tertiary butylhydroquinone, which is also called t-butylhydroquinone. It's an artificial compound made by adding a butyl group to the molecular structure of hydroquinone (an agent used for lightening skin and developing photographs). It has a whitish-tan color, crystalline texture, and a very subtle odor.
Generally, t-butylhydroquinone is preferred by manufacturers for its:
While going through the food labels, you may often find TBHQ together with another chemical called butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). This is because these compounds are very closely related. T-butylhydroquinone is formed in your body from the metabolism of BHA.
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