- Tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a common food additive used to extend shelf life.
- It has been linked to an increase in food allergies as it causes the body to have an allergic reaction.
- Experts say the FDA needs to update condom guidelines based on new research.
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Pop-Tarts and Cheez-Its contain a food preservative that has the potential to damage the immune system by disrupting cell proteins, according to a new study by the Environmental Working Group.
Like many processed snacks, they contain tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a common preservative used to extend shelf life.
In the study, published Wednesday in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the researchers found that TBHQ affected immune cell proteins, which can damage the immune system.
The researchers analyzed the chemical properties in various snacks and reviewed previous research to assess which ones were potentially toxic to the immune system. They found that TBHQ was present in some products, and studies in animals and test tubes suggest that it damages the immune system.
The study is based on previous research that concluded that TBHQ is harmful.
A study in rats found that TBHQ made flu vaccines less effective. Another study in rats found that the additive may be behind the increase in food allergies because it caused T cells to release a protein that triggers allergies to nuts, milk, eggs and seafood. There are no studies in humans, although there are reports of vision problems in people who have consumed TBHQ.
The FDA should test chemicals in foods that can be harmful to the immune system
The Food and Drug Administration takes a direct approach in regulating additives that can be harmful.
“The FDA often allows the chemical and food industry to determine which ingredients are safe for consumption,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the EWG, in a statement.
The last time that the FDA approved additives was in 2002, and the organization does not update its guidelines based on new toxicology studies. But the EWG said the FDA should review TBHQ as new sciences emerge.
Kellogg’s, the parent company of Cheez-Its and Pop-Tarts, did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.