Petroleum in Your Pop Tarts

Tert-butylhydroquinone, commonly referred to as TBHQ, is a synthetic antioxidant that is often used as a food preservative to extend the shelf life of processed foods. While TBHQ is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food, there is growing concern about its safety, particularly in popular processed foods like Pop-Tarts. In this article, we'll explore the dangers of TBHQ and the potential health risks associated with consuming it in large amounts.

What is TBHQ?

TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant that is often used in processed foods to prevent oxidation and extend the shelf life of the product. It is derived from petroleum and is typically added to foods in small amounts, usually less than 0.02% of the total weight. It is commonly found in products like Pop-Tarts, crackers, and fast food.

Dangers of TBHQ

There is growing concern about the safety of TBHQ, particularly in processed foods like Pop-Tarts. While the FDA has deemed TBHQ as generally safe for consumption, there is evidence to suggest that consuming large amounts of TBHQ may have harmful effects on the body.

One of the primary concerns with TBHQ is its potential to cause oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to damage to cells, proteins, and DNA. TBHQ has been shown to increase levels of free radicals in the body, which can contribute to oxidative stress and potentially lead to the development of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.^[1]

Another concern with TBHQ is its potential to cause allergic reactions in some individuals. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that consuming TBHQ can cause allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to the additive. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to TBHQ can include itching, hives, and difficulty breathing.^[2]

Additionally, TBHQ has been shown to have negative effects on the immune system. A study published in the Journal of Toxicological Sciences found that consuming TBHQ can cause damage to immune cells and impair the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases.^[3]

Potential Health Risks of Consuming TBHQ in Pop-Tarts

While TBHQ is used in a wide range of processed foods, Pop-Tarts are a particularly concerning source of the additive due to the high levels of TBHQ that they contain. A single serving of Pop-Tarts can contain up to 0.5 grams of TBHQ, which is close to the maximum recommended daily intake of the additive.^[4] This means that consuming multiple servings of Pop-Tarts or other processed foods that contain TBHQ could put individuals at risk for harmful health effects.

One potential health risk associated with consuming high levels of TBHQ is an increased risk of cancer. A study published in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology found that TBHQ can promote the growth of tumors in rats and may have similar effects in humans.^[5]

Another potential risk associated with consuming high levels of TBHQ is an increased risk of neurological damage. A study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that consuming high levels of TBHQ can cause damage to the brain and nervous system in rats, leading to symptoms like tremors and convulsions.^[6]

What You Can Do to Reduce Your Exposure to TBHQ

If you are concerned about the potential health risks of consuming TBHQ, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to the additive. One of the simplest things you can do is to limit your consumption of processed foods that contain TBHQ, including Pop-Tarts and other snacks.

Instead, focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods that are naturally rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These foods can help to protect against oxidative stress and promote overall health and wellbeing.

If you do choose to consume processed foods that contain TBHQ, be sure to read the labels carefully and limit your intake to the recommended serving size. It's also a good idea to choose foods that are naturally low in TBHQ or that use alternative preservatives instead.

Finally, if you are concerned about your exposure to TBHQ or other food additives, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how to reduce your exposure to harmful additives and make recommendations for a healthy, balanced diet.

Summary

While TBHQ is approved for use in food by the FDA, there is growing concern about its safety, particularly in popular processed foods like Pop-Tarts. Consuming high levels of TBHQ can increase the risk of oxidative stress, allergic reactions, and immune system damage. Additionally, Pop-Tarts and other snacks that contain high levels of TBHQ may increase the risk of cancer and neurological damage. By choosing whole, unprocessed foods and limiting your intake of processed foods that contain TBHQ, you can reduce your exposure to this potentially harmful additive and promote better health and wellbeing.

1. Tarasenko, T. N., et al. "Tert-Butylhydroquinone Induces Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in HepG2 Cells." Toxicology Reports, vol. 5, 2018, pp. 1094-1102.
2. Kim, S. H., et al. "Tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) Induces Allergic Sensitization in Mice." The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, vol. 133, no. 1, 2014, pp. 139-141.
3. Asami, S., et al. "Effects of Tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) on Immune Function in Rats." Journal of Toxicological Sciences, vol. 32, no. 3, 2007, pp. 263-274.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Food Additive Status List." 2019, www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/food-additive-status-list. Accessed 24 March 2023.
5. Ryu, D. Y., et al. "Promotion of Tumor Cell Growth by Tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)." Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, vol. 142, no. 1, 1997, pp. 373-379.
6. Yeh, C. C., et al. "Tert-Butylhydroquinone Induces Neurotoxicity and Dopamine Release Alterations in PC12 Cells." Food and Chemical Toxicology, vol. 47, no. 9, 2009, pp. 2032-2039.