antioxidants, phosphates, and complexing agents

E319 — tert-Butylhydroquinone

Antioxidant - prevents rancidity in oils and fats

Also known as: TBHQ · tert-Butylhydroquinone

Verification required

Verify — Mushbooh

Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.

Function Antioxidant - prevents rancidity in oils and fats
Found in cooking oils, fast food frying oil & more
Source synthetic (petroleum-derived)

Checking this in a shop right now?

Vegan / vegetarian label on pack → plant-based source → safe for this code

HFA / HMC / IFANCA / JAKIM logo → independently certified → safe

Neither? Follow the steps below.

School of Thought Breakdown

Hanafi

Verify source

Maliki

May permit

Shafi'i

Avoid if animal

Hanbali

Avoid if animal

Mushbooh - synthetic, but may be dissolved in animal fat carrier. 'Suitable for vegetarians' confirms halal carrier.

What to do with this product

Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2

1

Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim

If present, E319 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.

Vegan / vegetarian claim = plant-sourced = safe
2

Look for a halal certification logo on the pack

An HFA, HMC, IFANCA, JAKIM, or ESMA logo means the source has been independently audited. The E-code is confirmed halal in this product.

Certified logo = independently verified

Neither? Here's what to do next:

📍 In store

Put it back and look for a certified alternative on the same shelf.

Check for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo, or labelled "suitable for vegans". Either confirms a safe source.

Did you find a certified alternative?

🌐 Shopping online

Verified halal alternatives:

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Background & Details

About E319

TBHQ is not available in 100% form and it has to have a carrier for mixing purpose. If it has vegetable oil as a carrier then it is Halal. If it has animal based fat then it is not Halal may be haram if pork fat is used. TBHQ is a chemical, in its 100% form without carrier it is Halal.

Verification Required

This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.

What is E319 made from?

  • synthetic (petroleum-derived)

Foods that commonly contain E319

Food Category Guide

E319 is common in crisps — see the full halal guide →

cooking oils fast food frying oil crisps crackers margarine

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E319 (tert-Butylhydroquinone/TBHQ) halal?

E319 (tert-Butylhydroquinone/TBHQ) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.

What is E319 used for?

E319 is used as a antioxidant - prevents rancidity in oils and fats in food products.

What foods contain E319?

E319 (tert-Butylhydroquinone/TBHQ) is commonly found in: cooking oils, fast food frying oil, crisps, crackers, margarine.

What is E319 made from?

E319 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic (petroleum-derived).

What are the other names for E319?

E319 may appear on food labels as: TBHQ, tert-Butylhydroquinone.

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This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.