Recently, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the recall of products exported from China to Japan due to the detection of TBHQ, a food additive banned in Japan, at a concentration of 0.005 g/kg. On October 15th, the responsible person of the related product enterprise responded to the media that the reason for the recall was due to different standards between countries, and that the product complies with Chinese standards and is safe and compliant for consumers to consume with confidence. Besides TBHQ, BHA and BHT are also commonly seen. So, what are BHA/BHT/TBHQ? Next, Foodmate will provide a detailed introduction.

Overview of the BHA, BHT, and TBHQ

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) are three commonly used food antioxidants. National Food Safety Standard - Standard for the Uses of Food Additives approves the use of these three substances as antioxidants in specific food categories. The primary function of BHA/BHT/TBHQ is to prevent the oxidation of fats and oils in food, which not only helps maintain the freshness and flavor of food but also prevents or delays the oxidation and deterioration of fats in food, thereby extending the shelf life of food. They also exhibit good antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-yeast properties.

The Reason for the Product Recall

The reason why this product did not meet Japan's food safety requirements was due to inconsistent regulations on the use of food additives between China and Japan. BHA/BHT/TBHQ are three of the most common edible antioxidants. Not only is their use permitted in China, but they are also allowed in most countries and regions, including the European Union, the United States, South Korea, and others. Japan's ban on TBHQ is actually quite rare.

The related enterprise responded that its products comply with Chinese standards and are safe and compliant, reassuring consumers that they can consume the products with confidence. Regarding whether the products can be sold in Japan in the future, the enterprise stated that it can adjust the formula according to Japanese standards.

China's Requirements for the Use of BHA/BHT/TBHQ

According to GB 2760-2014, China approves the use of BHA as an antioxidant in 14 categories of food, including fried noodle products, biscuits, and instant rice and noodle products. Except for a maximum limit of 0.4 g/kg for gum-based candies, the maximum limit for other permitted food categories is 0.2 g/kg.

According to GB 2760-2014, BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is approved as an antioxidant for use in 13 categories of foods, including fried flour products, biscuits, and instant rice and noodle products. Except for gum-based candies, which have a maximum limit of 0.4 g/kg, the maximum limit for other permissible food categories is 0.2 g/kg.

GB 2760-2014 permits the use of TBHQ as an antioxidant in 12 categories of foods, including fried flour products, mooncakes, and biscuits, with a maximum allowable limit of 0.2 g/kg.

In March of this year, China released the new food additive usage standard GB 2760-2024. According to the new standard, BHA can be used in 13 categories of products, with the category "02.01 fats and oils essentially free from water" being removed. Except for gum base candies, which have a maximum limit of 0.4 g/kg, the maximum limit for other permissible food categories is 0.2 g/kg. Similarly, BHT can be used in 12 categories of products, with the "02.01 fats and oils essentially free from water" category also being removed. Except for gum base candies, which have a maximum limit of 0.4 g/kg, the maximum limit for other permissible food categories is 0.2 g/kg. TBHQ can be used in 11 categories of products, with the original "mooncakes" category being broadened to the "cakes" category, and the "02.01 fats and oils essentially free from water" category being removed. The maximum limit for TBHQ is 0.2 g/kg. This standard will be implemented on February 8, 2025.

Summary

Currently, there are differences in the regulatory standards for food additives among countries worldwide. This variation in regulatory standards for food additives among different nations is a normal phenomenon, stemming from factors such as differing considerations of food safety and consumer habits across countries and regions. Foodmate reminds food export enterprises that the discrepancies in food safety regulations among countries may lead to compliance issues for some products in the international market. It is inadvisable to simply apply the standards of one country to another. Before exporting, it is crucial to ensure that the products meet the requirements of the importing country. With years of experience in the food industry, Foodmate is dedicated to providing professional food compliance consulting services to food enterprises. Welcome to inquire via global_info@foodmate.net.