Tag: Synthetic antioxidant

Despite being a common ingredient in many processed foods, tert-butylhydroquinone, or TBHQ, is a completely synthetic compound and not derived from natural sources. It is a man-made preservative created to prevent the oxidation of fats and oils, thereby extending the shelf life of products.

Over 90% of processed foods in the U.S. contain some form of preservative, and synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are a key component. BHT is a chemically synthesized compound widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries to prevent the degradation of oils and fats by oxidation. Understanding this common food additive reveals important insights into modern preservation techniques.

Synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) have been widely used in processed foods since the 1950s to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. A synthetic antioxidant is a man-made chemical compound created to inhibit the oxidation of fats and other substances in food products.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the synthetic food additive tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) has been evaluated and deemed safe for human consumption within strictly defined limits. So, is TBHQ artificial, or is it a naturally occurring compound? The answer is that TBHQ is entirely artificial, and understanding its origins and applications is key to making informed dietary choices.