Ethoxyquin otherwise referred to as octyl dimethyl PABA is an ingredient found in a variety of shampoos and conditioners. It is also a popular quinoline-based preservative used in some foods and some medical treatments, primarily to inhibit scalding of raw pears after harvest, as well as in detergents to prevent the growth of bacteria. It's also commonly used in cosmetics, hair colorings, toothpaste, and cosmetic products to preserve the shelf life of products. In recent years, it has gained attention for its potential antibacterial activity.
The cosmetic industry was the first to draw the public's attention to its potentially harmful characteristics. While there are some exceptions to the use in food and cosmetics, for the most part, it is banned from use in food and animal feed products in the United States. The pet food industry, however, continues to use the chemical in a large variety of products including hair products, toothpaste, soaps, shampoos, snacks, and siding. While pet food manufacturers are permitted to utilize ethoxyquin in their production, they are not required to do so. Manufacturers that wish to use it in their dog food products, however, can do so. They simply must list it as an ingredient. (They are also required to include a statement acknowledging that it contains BHA, or fatty acid; another important consideration for people who suffer from sensitive skin)
Some researchers believe that the ingestion of this product may lead to cancer development, though this evidence is not entirely accurate. Another researcher, Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, said on the Oprah Winfrey show, "Some studies have shown that it may be linked to [liver disease] and [liver cancer] in humans." Reports of animal deaths from ethoxyquin exposure continue to mount. So far, however, the American Association of Feed Control Officials has stated that it has received no reports of adverse animal reactions from the use of it... Read more