antioxidant INS 310

Propyl Gallate E310

Q: What is Propyl Gallate (E310)?

Propyl Gallate (E310) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is synthetic phenolic antioxidant and synthetic. Synthetic antioxidant created by esterifying gallic acid (which occurs naturally in tea, oak bark, witch hazel) with propyl alcohol. Used in food industry since 1948.

Q: What is the ADI for Propyl Gallate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Propyl Gallate is 0–1.4 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

Q: What foods contain Propyl Gallate?

Propyl Gallate is used in various food categories including Fats and oils, Chewing gum. It is used as a antioxidant in these products.

Q: Is Propyl Gallate the same as Gallic acid propyl ester?

Yes, Propyl Gallate is also known as Gallic acid propyl ester, n-Propyl gallate. These are different names for the same substance.

synthetic phenolic antioxidant — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Propyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate

CAS: 121-79-9

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Propyl Gallate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category (restricted) mg/kg

E311 (octyl gallate) and E312 (dodecyl gallate) removed from EU list in 2018; E310 remains with restrictions

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS with limits

FDA allows <0.02% of fat/oil content (individually or combined with octyl/dodecyl gallate, BHT, BHA, ascorbyl palmitate)

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Used particularly in butter and oil products with defined limits

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–1.4 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

0.5 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis (esterification)

Produced by esterifying gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) with propanol (propyl alcohol). The resulting compound is a white to creamy-white crystalline powder. Linear formula: 3,4,5-(HO)₃C₆H₂CO₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, Molecular weight: 212.20.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Antioxidant preservative in cosmetic formulations

Medical

Antioxidant in drug formulations

Industrial

Lubricants, biodiesel, adhesives

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Propyl Gallate (E310)?

Propyl Gallate (E310) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is synthetic phenolic antioxidant and synthetic. Synthetic antioxidant created by esterifying gallic acid (which occurs naturally in tea, oak bark, witch hazel) with propyl alcohol. Used in food industry since 1948.

What is the ADI for Propyl Gallate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Propyl Gallate is 0–1.4 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Propyl Gallate?

Propyl Gallate is used in various food categories including Fats and oils, Chewing gum. It is used as a antioxidant in these products.

Is Propyl Gallate the same as Gallic acid propyl ester?

Yes, Propyl Gallate is also known as Gallic acid propyl ester, n-Propyl gallate. These are different names for the same substance.