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Butylated hyrdoxyanisole (BHA), like BHT, is a food additive, listed with the FDA as "E320." It is a white or yellowish waxy solid with an aromatic odor and has antioxidant properties. Oxygen reacts with BHA as it does with BHT to protect fats and oils from oxidizing. It is fat-soluble and is also used to preserve fats and oils in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. BHA is also used in food packaging, animal feed, rubber and petroleum products. It is also used to preserve food odor, color and flavor.

BHA is approved as safe by the FDA although it, like BHT, has been implicated in ill health effects. It may contribute to cancer or tumor growth and there is some evidence that some people may have difficulty metabolizing BHA and BHT, resulting in behavior changes. BHA may have antiviral and antimcirobial activities.