Learn Glossary antioxidant

Tbhq(E319)

Level 4Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Tbhq is a antioxidant — Antioxidant containing petroleum-derived butane

Also: Tertiary Butylhydroquinone

What it does

Antioxidant containing petroleum-derived butane

Where you'll see it

oils and fats up to 0.02 percent

What the research says

Death has occurred from ingestion of 5 grams; 1 gram caused nausea, vomiting, delirium, collapse; clouding of eye lens reported

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: ASP
  • EU: approved
  • Notes: Pushed by manufacturers for years before approval

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): death has occurred from the ingestion of as little as 5 grams; ingestion of a single gram has caused nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, delirium