Tiabendazole
Also known as: Thiabendazole, Mintezol
Preservatives
Safety rating
Use Sparingly
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Tiabendazole is a preservative and fungicide applied to the surface of citrus fruits, bananas, and potatoes to prevent fungal growth, spoilage, and sprouting during storage and transport.
Commonly found in
- —Citrus fruit peels
- —Bananas
- —Potatoes (post-harvest treatment)
Key functions
- —Prevents fungal growth and decay on stored produce
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Can be toxic if ingested in large amounts — consumers advised to wash or peel treated produce
- 02Handling treated fruit may cause skin or eye irritation in some individuals
- 03Strictly regulated with specific residue limits in the EU and US; not intended for direct ingestion