What Is Propyl Gallate? Safety, Risks & Alternatives

⚡ Quick Facts

E-NumberE310
FDA StatusFDA-approved as GRAS at levels not exceeding 0.02% of the fat or oil content of food (21 CFR 184.1660). Used in combinat…
EFSA StatusEFSA re-evaluated in 2014 and established a group ADI of 0.5 mg/kg body weight/day for gallates (E 310-312).
ADI0.5 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA, 2014, group ADI for gallates)
SeverityModerate Risk (6/10)

What Is Propyl Gallate?

A synthetic antioxidant used to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid. Often used in combination with BHA and BHT. Found in processed foods, cosmetics, and food packaging. It is an ester of gallic acid and propanol.

Mechanism of Action

Propyl gallate acts as a free radical scavenger, inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Some in vitro studies suggest estrogenic activity and potential endocrine-disrupting effects. The NTP found some evidence of carcinogenicity in rats, though this was considered equivocal. It may cause allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with asthma.

Why People Avoid Propyl Gallate

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA

FDA-approved as GRAS at levels not exceeding 0.02% of the fat or oil content of food (21 CFR 184.1660). Used in combination with BHA/BHT.

🇪🇺 EFSA

EFSA re-evaluated in 2014 and established a group ADI of 0.5 mg/kg body weight/day for gallates (E 310-312).

Regulatory Timeline

1948 First approved for food use in the US
1982 NTP study finds some evidence of carcinogenicity in rats
2014 EFSA re-evaluates gallates, sets group ADI of 0.5 mg/kg/day
• Restricted or banned in some countries for food use

No products currently in our database are flagged for Propyl Gallate.

Safer Alternatives

✅
Rosemary extract
✅
Vitamin E (tocopherols)
✅
Ascorbyl palmitate
✅
Green tea catechins

Scientific Sources

  1. NTP (1982). Carcinogenesis Studies of Propyl Gallate in F344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice
  2. EFSA (2014). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of propyl gallate (E 310) as a food additive
  3. Amadasi et al. (2009). Identification of xenoestrogens in food additives by an integrated in silico and in vitro approach. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 22(1), 52-63

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Propyl Gallate?
A synthetic antioxidant used to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid. Often used in combination with BHA and BHT. Found in processed foods, cosmetics, and food packaging. It is an ester of gallic acid and propanol.
Is Propyl Gallate safe?
Propyl Gallate is FDA-approved as GRAS at levels not exceeding 0.02% of the fat or oil content of food (21 CFR 184.166. EFSA re-evaluated in 2014 and established a group ADI of 0.5 mg/kg body weight/day for gallates (E 3.
Where is Propyl Gallate banned?
Propyl Gallate is not currently banned in any major market according to our database.
What are alternatives to Propyl Gallate?
Safer alternatives to Propyl Gallate include: Rosemary extract, Vitamin E (tocopherols), Ascorbyl palmitate, Green tea catechins.
How can I avoid Propyl Gallate?
Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag Propyl Gallate and suggest safer alternatives.
What foods contain Propyl Gallate?
Propyl Gallate is commonly found in: Mayonnaise, Dried meats, Microwave popcorn, Instant soups, Chewing gum, Food packaging. Our database has flagged it in 0 products.
What are the side effects of Propyl Gallate?
Concerns about Propyl Gallate include: Some evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies; Potential estrogenic/endocrine-disrupting activity in vitro; May cause allergic reactions in asthma patients.
Is Propyl Gallate natural or artificial?
Propyl Gallate: Propyl gallate acts as a free radical scavenger, inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Some in vitro studies suggest estrogenic activity and potential endocr.
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Compare Propyl Gallate

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⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is Propyl Gallate? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/propyl-gallate
MLA"What Is Propyl Gallate? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/propyl-gallate.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/propyl-gallate">What Is Propyl Gallate? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026ingredientspropylgallate, title = {What Is Propyl Gallate? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/propyl-gallate}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }