- Tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a common food additive used to prolong shelf life.
- It's been linked to a rise in food allergies because it triggers the body to have an allergic reaction.
- Experts say the FDA needs to updated preservative guidance based on new research.
- Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
Pop-Tarts and Cheez-Its contain a food preservative that has the potential to harm your 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 prolong shelf life.
In the study, published Wednesday in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, researchers found that TBHQ affected immune cell proteins which may impair the immune system.
Researchers looked at 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 a few products, and studies in animals and test tubes suggest it harms the immune system.
The study builds on previous research finding TBHQ to be harmful.
One study in mice found TBHQ made flu vaccines less effective. Another study on mice found that the additive may be behind the rise in food allergies because it caused T-cells to release a protein that triggers allergies to nuts, milk, eggs, and shellfish. There are no studies in humans, though there have been reports of damaged eyesight in people who consumed TBHQ.
The FDA should test chemical in foods that may be harmful to the immune system
The Food and Drug Administration takes a hands-off approach when regulating additives that may be harmful.
"Too often, the FDA allows the food and chemical industry to determine which ingredients are safe for consumption," Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at EWG, said in a statement.
The last time the FDA approved additives was in 2002, and the organization does not update its guidance based on new toxicology studies. But the EWG said the FDA should review TBHQ as new science emerges.
Kellogg's, the parent company of Cheez-Its and Pop-Tarts, did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
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