<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Infobox references </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <P> Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant consisting of a mixture of two isomeric organic compounds, 2 - tert - butyl - 4 - hydroxyanisole and 3 - tert - butyl - 4 - hydroxyanisole . It is prepared from 4 - methoxyphenol and isobutylene . It is a waxy solid used as a food additive with the E number E320 . The primary use for BHA is as an antioxidant and preservative in food, food packaging, animal feed, cosmetics, rubber, and petroleum products . BHA also is commonly used in medicines, such as isotretinoin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, among others . </P> <P> Since 1947, BHA has been added to edible fats and fat - containing foods for its antioxidant properties as it prevents rancidification of food which creates objectionable odors . Like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), the conjugated aromatic ring of BHA is able to stabilize free radicals, sequestering them . By acting as free radical scavengers, further free radical reactions are prevented . </P>

What type of compound is the food additive bha