Propyl Gallate
The short version
A synthetic phenolic antioxidant — used in fats and oils, similar concerns to BHA and BHT.
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
JECFA's ADI is 0–1.4 mg/kg body weight (set in 1993, maintained in 1996). EFSA's 2014 re-evaluation set a lower ADI of 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day. Has shown estrogen-mimicking activity in some in-vitro studies; the human relevance is debated. Some studies have raised questions about reproductive and metabolic effects at high doses. Banned for certain uses in Japan.
Sources
- JECFA database — Propyl gallate, INS 310 — WHO / FAO JECFA, 1996. JECFA ADI 0–1.4 mg/kg bw
- EFSA FEEDAP — Safety and efficacy of propyl gallate for all animal species (EFSA Journal 2020;18(4):6069), restating the 2014 ANS food-additive ADI — European Food Safety Authority (via PubMed Central), 2020. EFSA (ANS Panel, 2014) ADI of 0.5 mg/kg bw/day for propyl gallate
- 21 CFR 184.1660 — Propyl gallate (GRAS), eCFR as of 1 Oct 2026 — US eCFR (National Archives / GPO), 2026. US limit: total antioxidants max 0.02% of fat/oil content
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1481 of 4 October 2018 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 as regards octyl gallate (E 311) and dodecyl gallate (E 312) — EUR-Lex (European Union), 2018. EU: propyl gallate kept, with maximum levels per category
Checked against these sources on .
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