Dodecyl Gallate
The short version
The C12-ester of gallic acid — the most lipid-soluble of the food gallates.
A synthetic antioxidant for fats and oils. Neither JECFA nor EFSA has an ADI for it: in 2015 EFSA could not confirm its safety for lack of toxicity data, and the EU removed it from its list of food additives in 2018 when that data was not provided. That's why we flag it.
Safety profile
Neither JECFA nor EFSA currently has an ADI for it. JECFA allocated no ADI in 1996, after its earlier temporary ADI was not extended. EFSA (2015) found a lack of adequate toxicological data, could not confirm its safety as a food additive, and concluded that the group ADI for propyl, octyl and dodecyl gallates should no longer be valid. Rare contact-sensitivity reports, as with other gallates.
Sources
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1481 removing octyl gallate (E 311) and dodecyl gallate (E 312) from the Union list — Publications Office of the European Union, 2018. EU removal of E 312; EFSA 2015 conclusion that the gallate group ADI is no longer valid
- JECFA — Dodecyl gallate (INS 312), evaluation 1996 — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO), 1996. No JECFA ADI allocated
- 21 CFR 166.110 — Margarine (standard of identity, permitted antioxidants) — U.S. eCFR (Office of the Federal Register), 2026. US: allowed in margarine up to 0.02% with other listed antioxidants
Checked against these sources on .
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