Ingredient Index · E319

Is TBHQ banned in Europe?

Restricted in EU

No. TBHQ is restricted, not banned, in the EU: permitted at up to 200 mg/kg in specific categories, while the US allows it broadly at up to 0.02% of a food's fat content.

E-number: E319CAS: 1948-33-0 Also seen as: tert-Butylhydroquinone, E319

What the EU does

Restricted. E319 is authorized under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 at a maximum of 200 mg/kg, and only in specific categories, mainly fats and oils for professional manufacture. As with BHA and BHT, the EU's posture is a short leash rather than a ban, though TBHQ is rare on European labels in practice.

EFSA evaluated TBHQ and set an acceptable daily intake of 0.7 mg per kilogram of body weight, concluding it is not carcinogenic at permitted levels.

Citation Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (E319, max 200 mg/kg in permitted categories)

What the US does

Legal and common. The FDA permits TBHQ under 21 CFR 172.185 at up to 0.02% of a food's fat and oil content, a formula that lets it appear across the ultra-processed aisle, especially in anything fried or long-dated. It is also the standard stabilizer for industrial frying oil.

Recent attention has focused on immune-system findings: EFSA flagged in-vitro immunotoxicity data worth following, and advocacy groups have petitioned the FDA for review. No US regulatory action has resulted so far.

Citation 21 CFR 172.185 (TBHQ, max 0.02% of fat/oil content)

Products that commonly contain it

TBHQ protects oils through heat and time. In the US it appears in:

Frozen chicken nuggets and fried convenience foods
Reese's peanut butter cups (some formats)
Pop-Tarts and toaster pastries
Cheez-Its and snack crackers
Instant noodles
Fast-food frying oils (no label to read; it's in the supply chain)

What to look for on a label

Where to find it when it's declared:

"TBHQ" or "tert-butylhydroquinone" in the ingredient list, usually after an oil
"TBHQ (to protect flavor)", common US phrasing
In restaurant fried food it can be present in the oil without appearing on any consumer label
E319 on EU or imported labels

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Frequently asked questions

Is TBHQ banned in Europe?

No. E319 is authorized under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 at up to 200 mg/kg in specific categories, mostly professional fats and oils. It is restricted, and rarer on EU shelves than US ones, but not banned.

Is TBHQ legal in the United States?

Yes, under 21 CFR 172.185 at up to 0.02% of a food's fat and oil content, a broad allowance that covers most processed-food categories.

Is TBHQ the same as BHA or BHT?

No: all three are synthetic antioxidants used to keep fats fresh, but they are distinct chemicals with separate E-numbers (E319, E320, E321) and separate safety records.

Is TBHQ harmful?

EFSA set an ADI of 0.7 mg/kg and found it non-carcinogenic at permitted levels. Newer in-vitro studies raising immune-function questions are being watched by regulators but haven't changed any rulebook yet.

Related ingredients

Primary sources

Last reviewed June 10, 2026 · How we assign statuses