❌ Safety Verdict: Avoid (Banned in EU)
E319 (TBHQ) is NOT approved in the UK or EU due to safety concerns. However, it's widely used in the US and may be present in imported foods. Animal studies show stomach tumours, DNA damage, and toxicity. Avoid when possible.
🚨 Banned in UK & EU
TBHQ (E319) is NOT PERMITTED in the UK or EU:
- UK/EU: Never approved – insufficient safety data
- May appear in imported foods (American snacks, crisps)
- Check labels on imported products
Concerns: Stomach tumours, DNA damage, liver effects, and vision disturbances in animal studies.
What is E319 (TBHQ)?
E319 is tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a synthetic antioxidant derived from petroleum.
How it works:
- Prevents fat oxidation (stops oils going rancid)
- Extends shelf life in fried and fatty foods
- Particularly effective in vegetable oils and fried foods
Why it's used (in countries that allow it):
- Very effective at preventing rancidity
- Works at low concentrations
- Heat stable – survives frying temperatures
- Cheap preservative for processed foods
Where is TBHQ Found? (US & Asia)
Not in UK/EU products, but may be found in imported foods from the US, Asia, or other regions:
Fried & Processed Foods:
- American-brand crisps (imported)
- Crackers and biscuits
- Microwave popcorn
- Fried noodles (instant ramen)
Fast Food:
- Chicken nuggets (US chains)
- French fries
- Fried chicken
Other Foods:
- Vegetable oils and cooking sprays
- Frozen fish products
- Some pet foods
Cosmetics & Non-Food:
- Lipsticks and cosmetics
- Perfumes
- Varnishes and lacquers
Health Concerns
1. Cancer Risk (Animal Studies)
Animal studies show worrying cancer links:
- Stomach tumours in rats at high doses
- DNA damage (precursor to cancer)
- Some studies showed pre-cancerous stomach lesions
Human evidence: Limited, but animal data sufficient for EU to deny approval.
2. Vision Disturbances
TBHQ linked to vision problems:
- Animal studies showed vision disturbances at high doses
- Reports of temporary blindness in humans after acute TBHQ exposure (industrial accidents)
- Mechanism unclear but concerning
3. Liver and Kidney Effects
- Liver enzyme changes in animal studies
- Potential liver damage at high doses
- Kidney effects in some studies
4. Immune System Effects
Emerging research suggests TBHQ may affect immunity:
- May weaken immune response to flu vaccines and infections
- Affects T-cell function in some studies
- Concern for long-term immune health
5. Behavioural Effects (Children)
Some studies link TBHQ to behavioural changes:
- Possible ADHD-like symptoms in animal studies
- May affect learning and memory
- More research needed but concerning for children's products
6. Acute Toxicity
High doses of TBHQ can cause:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
- Delirium and collapse (very high doses)
Lethal dose (LD50): 1-5 grams in humans – relatively low for a food additive.
Why is TBHQ Banned in the UK/EU?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) never approved TBHQ due to:
- Insufficient safety data
- Animal studies showing tumours and DNA damage
- Vision disturbance concerns
- Availability of safer alternatives (vitamin E, rosemary extract)
- Precautionary principle – better safe than sorry
Regulatory Status
UK/EU: NOT APPROVED – banned for use in food
US: FDA approved with limit of 0.02% of oil/fat content (200 ppm)
Canada: Permitted with similar limits to US
Australia/New Zealand: Permitted (Code 319)
Japan: Permitted with restrictions
TBHQ in Imported Foods (UK Consumers)
While TBHQ can't be added to UK food, it may be present in:
- Imported American snacks (crisps, crackers, popcorn)
- US fast food chains operating in UK (if using imported ingredients)
- International online food orders
How to check: Look for "TBHQ", "E319", or "tertiary butylhydroquinone" on ingredient labels of imported foods.
Who Should Avoid E319?
❌ Everyone (Especially UK/EU Residents):
- UK/EU residents – banned for good reason
- Children – behavioural and developmental concerns
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women – precautionary
- People with liver or kidney disease
- Anyone with vision problems
Natural Alternatives
Safer antioxidants widely used in UK/EU:
- Vitamin E (E306-309) – natural, safe, effective
- Rosemary extract (E392) – natural antioxidant
- Ascorbic acid (E300) – vitamin C
- Mixed tocopherols – vitamin E forms
- Green tea extract – natural antioxidant
The Bottom Line
- ❌ BANNED in UK/EU – not approved for use
- ⚠️ Stomach tumours in animal studies
- ⚠️ DNA damage – potential cancer precursor
- ⚠️ Vision disturbances in animals and humans
- ⚠️ Liver and kidney effects
- ⚠️ Immune system concerns – may weaken vaccine response
- ⚠️ Behavioural effects in children (animal studies)
- ⚠️ May be in imported US foods – check labels
Our recommendation: Avoid TBHQ (E319) entirely. The EU ban, animal studies showing tumours and DNA damage, and availability of safer alternatives make this an easy decision. Check labels on imported American snacks and avoid products listing TBHQ, E319, or tertiary butylhydroquinone.
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Last updated: February 2026