What is E319? Tertiary Butylhydroquinone Explained
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E319 is Tertiary Butylhydroquinone — a antioxidant (synthetic) used in cooking oils, snack foods.
What is E319 (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)?
E319 is Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a food additive classified as a antioxidant that prevent oxidation and rancidity. A antioxidant (synthetic) used in cooking oils, snack foods. You'll find it in cooking oils, snack foods, processed meats and many other packaged foods. Tertiary Butylhydroquinone is one of the better-known food additives and appears regularly in label-reading guides and dietary discussions. Like every E-number, E319 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Where is E319 found?
E319 (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) is found in cooking oils, snack foods, processed meats, nut butters, frozen foods, cereals.
- cooking oils
- snack foods
- processed meats
- nut butters
- frozen foods
- cereals
Also known as: TBHQ
Is E319 safe?
E319 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. For most people consuming Tertiary Butylhydroquinone in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either active scientific debate, mandatory warning labels, allergen status, or conditions attached to its authorisation.
EFSA opinion: Tertiary Butylhydroquinone — status Some concerns.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E319. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide. Taking supplements? Check drug and supplement interactions.
Related to E319 (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)
Products relevant to this additive and your dietary choices
Food Sensitivity Test
Identify additives and foods that may be affecting you.
Additive-Free Cookbook
Whole-food recipes without additives that carry caution notices.
E319 FAQs
What is E319 in food?
E319 is Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) — a antioxidant (synthetic) used in cooking oils, snack foods.
Is E319 safe to eat?
E319 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. For most people consuming Tertiary Butylhydroquinone in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflect
Is E319 vegan?
E319 (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) is vegan. It is derived from synthetic, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E319 halal?
E319 (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) is halal. It is derived from synthetic, which involves no haram sources.
Related Antioxidants additives
Also check: safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · calorie checker · medication interactions
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA