Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is an antioxidant that has been used in food and non-food industries for decades. BHT is a lipophilic ("fat-loving" or fat-soluble, therefore, finding its' way into fats) organic compound that is used as an antioxidant in pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, rubber, cosmetics, food and other products. Being fat-soluble, it is used to prevent the oxidation or spoilage of butter, and other fat containing foods. Since BHT is added to foods, it is listed as an E number (E321), for consumer awareness. There has been much debate surrounding BHT, and in several countries it has been banned from being added to foodstuffs. Some studies have suggested the possibility of BHT as having a role in the triggering of cancer, whereas other studies have demonstrated the converse. BHT is still added to chewing gums, and high fat foods, to prevent oxidation, and thus, preventing changes in taste, texture, odor and color. BHT functions as a synthetic analogue of vitamin E. inhibiting atmospheric oxygen from attacking (reacting with), and thus, spoiling foods. BHT can even be purchased in some countries as an antioxidant in tablet form.