01Specimen No. 0075
AvoidSyntheticfood additivepreservative
TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)
tbhq · tertiary butylhydroquinone · tert-butylhydroquinone
Petroleum-derived preservative used in fast food oils and packaged snacks. Animal studies link it to vision disturbances, tumor promotion, and immune system effects.
medium confidence
Researched April 18, 2026Annotation registerSpecimen 0075
NameTBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)
- Verdict
- Avoid
02Concerns
- Animal studies show vision disturbance and liver enlargement at high doses
- Possible tumor promoter in rodent studies
- May enhance allergic sensitization [inference from animal studies]
- EU and WHO set an acceptable daily intake — best minimized
03Regulatory flags
- Not permitted in food in EU, Japan, Australia
- FDA allows max 0.02% of total fat content
04Commonly found in
Fast food frying oilCrackersMicrowave popcornFrozen fishChips
Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.
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