antioxidant INS 319

TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) E319

phenolic — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Tertiary butylhydroquinone

CAS: 1948-33-0

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: 200 mg/kg

Maximum 200 mg/kg alone or in combination with BHA (E320) and BHT (E321)

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved Approved food additive

Limited to 0.02% of oil or fat content

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0-0.7 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

0.7 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Synthesized by alkylation of hydroquinone with isobutylene in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Antioxidant in lipstick and other cosmetics

Medical

Antioxidant in vitamin preparations

Industrial

Stabilizer for biodiesel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) (E319)?

TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) (E319) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is phenolic and synthetic. A highly effective synthetic antioxidant used to prevent rancidity in fats and oils. Particularly stable at high temperatures, making it popular in fried foods and cooking oils.

What is the ADI for TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone)?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) is 0-0.7 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone)?

TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) is used in various food categories including Fat and oil emulsions. It is used as a antioxidant in these products.

Is TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) the same as Tertiary butylhydroquinone?

Yes, TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) is also known as Tertiary butylhydroquinone, tert-Butylhydroquinone, TBHQ. These are different names for the same substance.