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 vaccinesless 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.
Kris Bahner, Kellogg Company spokesperson, told Insider in an email "Providing safe, delicious, quality food for consumers is our top priority. TBHQ is a common antioxidant, approved for safe use by the FDA, that many companies use in numerous products to help protect food's flavor and freshness."
FAQs
Pop-Tarts and Cheez-Its contain preservatives that could harm your immune system, a study finds. 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.
Why are Cheez-Its bad for you? ›
Cheez-It baked snack crackers have been a hit for over a century. Though they're "made with real cheese," ingredients like food preservative TBHQ, high levels of sodium, and enriched flour make them fairly unhealthy. A 2021 study found that TBHQ can harm the immune system, specifically immune cell proteins.
Are Pop-Tarts bad for your health? ›
Not only can eating Pop-Tarts contribute to a fatty liver, but frequent consumption may also wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels. According to Gibson, "Dextrose is chemically identical to glucose and elevates blood sugar levels, which can lead to type 2 diabetes." Yikes.
What is the preservative in Pop-Tarts? ›
Tert-butylhydroquinone, or TBHQ, is a preservative used in Pop-Tarts and other processed foods. It may harm the immune system and weaken the effectiveness of vaccines.
Why is Pop-Tarts banned? ›
Countries belonging to the E.U. have taken the step to ban specific food dyes in consumables sold due to health concerns stemming from these additives. Pop-Tarts contain artificial food dyes, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which, barring a handful of exceptions, aren't allowed in products sold there.
What chemicals are in Cheez-Its? ›
This product has 5 ingredients with concerns:
- TBHQ. This additive is of higher concern in food. ...
- DISODIUM PHOSPHATE. This additive is of moderate concern in food.
- Natural and Artificial Flavor. This additive is of lower concern in food.
- Enzyme. This additive is of lower concern in food.
- RIBOFLAVIN.
Pop-Tarts are filled with some very controversial chemical additives that they don't use in other countries, one of them being Titanium Dioxide recently banned in Europe. Scientific studies show Titanium Dioxide may have genotoxic effects.
What are the side effects of TBHQ in food? ›
And according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), cases of vision disturbances have been reported when humans consume TBHQ. This organization also cites studies that have found TBHQ to cause liver enlargement, neurotoxic effects, convulsions, and paralysis in laboratory animals.
Are Pop-Tarts the most unhealthy food? ›
Every package of Pop-Tarts contains 76 grams of carbs, and not the good kind. They use multiple types of sugar: every bite is packed with white sugar, regular corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup. The large serving of fructose makes long-term and frequent consumption of this tasty treat a health risk.
Do Pop-Tarts have red 40? ›
CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, WHEAT STARCH, SALT, DRIED BLUEBERRIES, DRIED GRAPES, LEAVENING (BAKING SODA, SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE), DRIED APPLES, CITRIC ACID, MODIFIED WHEAT STARCH, GELATIN, XANTHAN GUM, SOY LECITHIN, CARAMEL COLOR, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, RED 40, BLUE 2 ...
