Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)
EATLABEL VERDICT
High Risk
Regulatory scrutiny or health hazard identified
-20 pts
Overview & Primary Purpose
High-stability synthetic antioxidant used in commercial deep-frying; linked to cellular stress and immune disruption.
Official Category: Antioxidant (산화방지제)
3-Nation (KR · US · EU) Regulatory Status
🇰🇷
South Korea (MFDS)
Approved
Permitted up to 0.2 g/kg in oils
🇺🇸
United States (FDA)
Approved
Widely used in commercial frying oils
🇪🇺
European Union (EFSA)
Approved
Permitted with strict 0.7 mg/kg ADI
Commonly Found Foods
Commercial frying fatsfrozen chicken nuggetsmicrowave popcorn
Safer Clean-Label Alternatives
✓ High-oleic sunflower oil✓ Natural vitamin E
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