Allervibe
E310
Propyl gallate
A synthetic antioxidant, the propyl ester of gallic acid, used to stop fats and oils turning rancid.
i Additive Details
| Is E310 Propyl gallate safe?
Propyl gallate is a documented contact allergen; allergic contact dermatitis has been reported from foods, cosmetics and topical products, sometimes as cheilitis around the lips. Reactions including urticaria and worsening of asthma have been reported in people sensitive to aspirin and other salicylates, although the evidence rests on case reports rather than controlled trials. People with a known gallate contact allergy should read the labels of fat-containing processed foods.
| Uses
Delays oxidation and rancidity in vegetable oils, frying fats, lard, margarine and mayonnaise. Also used in snack foods, dehydrated potato products, breakfast cereals, nuts, dried meat, soup and seasoning mixes, and in chewing gum base. It is authorised only in a defined list of fat-rich foods, at set maximum levels.
| Interactions
Usually combined with BHA (E320) and BHT (E321), which are more effective in other fat systems, and with citric acid (E330) as a metal-chelating synergist. Gallates bind iron and copper, and with iron salts they form dark blue-black or greenish complexes, which limits their use in iron-rich or iron-fortified foods. In EU legislation the permitted level is often expressed as a combined total for gallates, TBHQ (E319) and BHA.
| Origin
Fully synthetic in food use, made by esterifying gallic acid with propanol. The gallic acid itself is obtained by hydrolysing plant tannins from sources such as oak galls, tara pods and sumac leaves.
| Daily Intake
Gallates share a group ADI. The EU Scientific Committee on Food set 0.5 mg per kg of body weight per day for the sum of propyl (E310), octyl (E311) and dodecyl (E312) gallate. EFSA re-evaluated propyl gallate in 2014 and set an ADI of 0.5 mg per kg of body weight per day for it individually.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E300 Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) Vitamin C, used both as a nutrient and as a food antioxidant.
- E320 Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) A synthetic phenolic antioxidant used to keep fats, oils and fat-containing foods from going rancid.
- E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) A synthetic phenolic antioxidant used to delay rancidity in fats, oils and fat-containing foods.
- E301 Sodium ascorbate The sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), used as an antioxidant in food.
- E302 Calcium ascorbate The calcium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), used as a food antioxidant.
- E304 Ascorbyl palmitate A fat-soluble form of vitamin C, made by joining ascorbic acid to palmitic acid.
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