Recently, there have been reports online that "potato chips contain TBHQ carcinogenic additive", causing panic among many potato chip enthusiasts. So what exactly is TBHQ? Will it have an impact on human health? What are the regulations on the use of TBHQ in the food production process? Let's learn together below! What exactly is TBHQ? TBHQ， The full name is tert Butylhydroquinone, which is a common food antioxidant widely used in edible oils, fried foods, baked goods, and meat products. It enhances the stability of food by inhibiting oil oxidation. Simply put, TBHQ can slow down the reaction between oil and oxygen, prevent food spoilage, and maintain its fresh taste. TBHQ is not something new. As early as 1972, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use in food and listed it as a "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) substance. In 1991, China officially approved the use of TBHQ as a food antioxidant. Currently, TBHQ has been recognized by over 100 countries and regions worldwide, including developed countries such as the European Union and the United States. After decades of research and application, TBHQ has become a fully validated legal food additive in the food industry, rather than some rumored "mysterious chemical substances". To put it more vividly, TBHQ is like a "freshness guard" for food, helping to maintain flavor and quality during storage and transportation by inhibiting oil oxidation. Why is there TBHQ in potato chips? To understand the role of TBHQ in potato chips, it is necessary to consider both the function of the oil and its oxidative hazards. Oil is the delicious' soul 'of potato chips. The reason why potato chips are crispy and delicious cannot be separated from the effect of oil. Oils and fats undergo moderate oxidation when heated, and also undergo complex reactions with protein, starch, and other components in food to produce unique aromas. In addition, fats can also serve as a "flavor carrier" to help food absorb spices and seasonings, enhancing the overall taste. It can be said that without oil, the taste and charm of potato chips will be greatly reduced. However, when oil is exposed to air, it is prone to oxidation and deterioration, leading to a decrease in flavor, loss of nutrients, and health threats. Excessive oxidation of fats and oils can produce an unpleasant "halal flavor", which destroys the taste of food. Essential fatty acids and vitamin E, among other nutrients, are also destroyed, reducing the nutritional value of food. More importantly, the oxidation process produces harmful substances such as free radicals, peroxides, and aldehydes, which not only affect food quality but also increase health risks if consumed in large quantities over a long period of time. In order to prevent oil oxidation, antioxidants have emerged. It can block the chain reaction of oil oxidation, delay the deterioration of oil, maintain the quality of potato chips, and reduce potential health hazards. Will TBHQ have an impact on human health? The statement that 'TBHQ causes cancer' has made many consumers uneasy, but this concern is actually a misunderstanding of scientific research. Multiple evaluations by international authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have shown that TBHQ is safe for human use within reasonable limits. In 1997, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) conducted a comprehensive evaluation of TBHQ and concluded that it does not have genotoxic effects in vivo. In 2016, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re evaluated based on the latest food consumption data and actual usage, and also found no evidence of genotoxicity or carcinogenicity of TBHQ. The US FDA has also maintained its "recognized safety" status. The toxicity of any substance is closely related to its dosage. Paracelsus, the founder of toxicology, once said, "Dose determines toxicity." Based on the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 72mg/kg/d in animal experiments and a 100 fold safety factor, JECFA determined the daily allowable intake (ADI) of TBHQ to be 0.7mg/kg · bw. That is to say, for an adult weighing 60 kilograms, it is safe to consume no more than 42 milligrams of TBHQ per day. Under normal diet, TBHQ does not pose a threat to health. The term 'carcinogenic' is a misinterpretation or exaggeration of scientific data. What are the regulations on the use of TBHQ in the food production process? China has very strict management of food additives, and TBHQ, as a food antioxidant, has clear regulations on its scope and dosage of use. According to the National Food Safety Standard for the Use of Food Additives (GB2760-2024), the maximum allowable use of TBHQ in food is 0.2g/kg. This standard is consistent with the recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). In addition, national standards require food companies to strictly comply with TBHQ limits and clearly label the food additives used on product labels, giving consumers the right to know. As long as the amount of TBHQ added during the food production process complies with the provisions of GB2760-2024, it is legal and compliant, and consumers can consume it with confidence. Summary: TBHQ is a scientifically validated food antioxidant that is harmless to the human body within the prescribed dosage. Regarding the rumor of "TBHQ causing cancer", we can clearly point out that it is a misunderstanding and exaggeration of scientific facts, and its safety has been confirmed by authoritative institutions at home and abroad. Adding antioxidants to potato chips is to prevent oil oxidation, ensure food quality, and protect consumer health. Because oil oxidation can actually cause health damage. China has strict standards for the use of TBHQ, and food companies must produce in accordance with the law. As consumers, we should approach food additives rationally. They are an important component of the modern food industry. As long as they are used reasonably, they can not only improve the safety and taste of food, bring convenience and enjoyment to our lives, but also provide protection for our health. (New Society)