On Aug 13, 4:44*pm, Wes wrote:
"Stupendous Man" wrote:
The active in Stabil and others is BHT, available from health food stores.
One teaspoon treats ten gallons.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butylated_hydroxytoluene

Can one of the chemists that monitor this group explain this for non chemists?

Wes

In common terms, it keeps fats and oils from going rancid.