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. Ethoxyquin has been shown to be slightly toxic to fish. Even though it has been approved for use in foods and as a spray insecticide for fruits Eethoxyquin has surprisingly not been thoroughly tested for its carcinogenic potential. For a long time been suggested it is a possible carcinogen, a very closely related chemical 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline has been shown to cause carcinogenic activity in rats.
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