Ethoxyquin
Encyclopedia
Ethoxyquin is a quinoline
-based antioxidant
used as a food preservative (E324) and a pesticide
(under commercial names such as "Stop-Scald"). It is commonly used as a preservative in pet foods to prevent the rancidification
of fats. Ethoxyquin is also commonly used in spices to prevent color loss due to oxidation of the natural carotenoid
pigments.
There has been some speculation that ethoxyquin in pet foods might be responsible for multiple health problems. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only found a verifiable connection between ethoxyquin and buildup of protoporphyrin IX
in the liver, as well as elevations in liver-related enzymes in some animals, but there are no known health consequences from these effects. In 1997, the Center for Veterinary Medicine has asked pet food manufacturers to voluntarily limit ethoxyquin levels to 75 ppm until further evidence is reported. However, most pet foods that contain ethoxyquin have never exceeded this amount.
Ethoxyquin has been shown to be slightly toxic to fish.
Quinoline
Quinoline is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound. It has the formula C9H7N and is a colourless hygroscopic liquid with a strong odour. Aged samples, if exposed to light, become yellow and later brown...
-based antioxidant
Antioxidant
An antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions. When...
used as a food preservative (E324) and a pesticide
Pesticide
Pesticides are substances or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest.A pesticide may be a chemical unicycle, biological agent , antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any pest...
(under commercial names such as "Stop-Scald"). It is commonly used as a preservative in pet foods to prevent the rancidification
Rancidification
Rancidification is the chemical decomposition of fats, oils and other lipids . When these processes occur in food, undesirable odors and flavors can result. In some cases, however, the flavors can be desirable . In processed meats, these flavors are collectively known as "warmed over flavor"...
of fats. Ethoxyquin is also commonly used in spices to prevent color loss due to oxidation of the natural carotenoid
Carotenoid
Carotenoids are tetraterpenoid organic pigments that are naturally occurring in the chloroplasts and chromoplasts of plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae, some bacteria, and some types of fungus. Carotenoids can be synthesized fats and other basic organic metabolic building...
pigments.
There has been some speculation that ethoxyquin in pet foods might be responsible for multiple health problems. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only found a verifiable connection between ethoxyquin and buildup of protoporphyrin IX
Protoporphyrin IX
Protoporphyrin IX, in the metabolism of porphyrin, is created by the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase.-Heme b biosynthesis:In heme biosynthesis, the enzyme ferrochelatase converts it into heme b Protoporphyrin IX, in the metabolism of porphyrin, is created by the enzyme protoporphyrinogen...
in the liver, as well as elevations in liver-related enzymes in some animals, but there are no known health consequences from these effects. In 1997, the Center for Veterinary Medicine has asked pet food manufacturers to voluntarily limit ethoxyquin levels to 75 ppm until further evidence is reported. However, most pet foods that contain ethoxyquin have never exceeded this amount.
Ethoxyquin has been shown to be slightly toxic to fish.