Final answer:
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant added to prevent oxidation in food and other products. It stabilizes potential peroxide formers by inhibiting radical formation, making it crucial for safe storage and handling of these substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic antioxidant used as a food additive to prevent oxidation. Oxidation can lead to food spoilage, causing unpleasant flavors, and unappealing colors in food products. Oxidation is a concern even for food stored in refrigerators or freezers. BHT, along with other antioxidants like ascorbic acid (AA), tocopherols, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), and TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone), helps preserve food by slowing down the rate of oxidation reactions.
In the context of peroxide formers, BHT is added because substances like hydrogen peroxide are strong oxidizers and can degrade to form radicals that are capable of initiating undesirable chain reactions in products. By adding BHT, radical formation is inhibited, thus stabilizing the products and preventing a potential hazard. Peroxides like hydrogen peroxide are not only used as bleaches and disinfectants but are also environmentally safe, as acknowledged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).