butylated hydroxyanisole

Noun

butylated hydroxyanisole (uncountable, abbreviation BHA)

1. Either of two isomers of tertiary butyl-4-hydroxyanisole used as a fat-soluble antioxidant in some food.
   • Although BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are avoided by some consumers because several studies have suggested they may be toxic or carcinogenic (they are banned in Britain), these antioxidants have also been shown to inhibit the action of cancer-causing chemicals...1985 May 1, Jane E. Brody, “PERSONAL HEALTH; HOW INNOVATIONS AFFECT SAFETY AND NUTRITION”, in The New York Times
   • In high school, I realized I needed more than just sugar to live, so every day I would buy and consume an entire bag of Goldfish (that elusive pizza flavor really is the best). Who needed multiple food groups? Artificial flavors? Count me in. Butylated hydroxyanisole? Yum!2016 December 13, Aya Cash, “Aya Cash: The First Time I Ate a Vegetable (I Was 22)”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms:

   E320 when used as an antioxidant