antioxidant INS 312

Dodecyl Gallate E312

synthetic phenolic antioxidant — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Banned
🇺🇸 USA: Approved
🇯🇵 Japan: Approved
🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved
🇨🇦 Canada: Approved
Scientific Name

Dodecyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate

CAS: 1166-52-5

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

Regulatory opinions differ: Dodecyl Gallate is approved in USA, JAPAN, CANADA but banned in EU. This reflects different risk assessment philosophies between regions.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

banned

REMOVED from EU approved additives list in 2018 due to persistent safety concerns

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved Approved with limitations

Previously approved with limits; current use declining after EU removal

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Status maintained despite EU removal

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not established

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not established

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 with dodecanol (dodecyl/lauryl alcohol). Highest fat solubility of all gallates due to 12-carbon chain. Empirical formula: C₁₉H₃₀O₅, Molecular weight: 338.44.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Historical use in cosmetics and hair products (now largely discontinued)

Medical

Historical use (discontinued)

Industrial

Limited to research/analytical standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dodecyl Gallate (E312)?
Dodecyl Gallate (E312) is a antioxidant used in food products. It is synthetic phenolic antioxidant and synthetic. Synthetic antioxidant with longest alkyl chain of the three gallates, providing highest fat solubility. Derived from gallic acid (natural) esterified with dodecanol (lauryl alcohol).
Is Dodecyl Gallate banned in any country?
Dodecyl Gallate is banned in EU. Regulatory status varies by country. Always check with your local food regulatory authority for current information.
What is the ADI for Dodecyl Gallate?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Dodecyl Gallate is Not established 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.
Is Dodecyl Gallate the same as Lauryl gallate?
Yes, Dodecyl Gallate is also known as Lauryl gallate, Gallic acid dodecyl ester, n-Dodecyl gallate. These are different names for the same substance.