Is Propyl Gallate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Propyl Gallate is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Also called PG. (E310)
Other names: PG, E310, Propyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate
Is Propyl Gallate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | — |
| Where it shows up | Some vegetable oils, Shortening, Lard, Margarine, Various packaged snacks, Some cosmetics |
What is Propyl Gallate?
Propyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant preservative derived from gallic acid and propanol. It prevents oxidation of fats and oils, extending shelf life of fat-containing foods. It is often used in combination with BHA and BHT for synergistic antioxidant effect. Chemical formula: C10H12O5.
Why is Propyl Gallate used in food?
Used as an antioxidant preservative in fats, oils, snack foods, meat products, and cosmetics. It is particularly effective in combination with BHA and BHT. Used in margarine, shortening, lard, baked goods, and some cereals.
Is Propyl Gallate dangerous? Documented risks
Animal studies have shown propyl gallate may cause liver damage at high doses. Concerns about estrogenic activity have been raised — some studies suggest propyl gallate may weakly mimic estrogen. Contact dermatitis and allergic reactions are documented in both food and cosmetic applications. Japan banned propyl gallate for food use as part of its precautionary approach to synthetic food preservatives. NTP bioassays found dose-dependent liver effects. EFSA's re-evaluation set an ADI of 0.1 mg/kg body weight — one of the lowest ADIs for food additives, reflecting toxicological concern.
Common US products containing Propyl Gallate
How to avoid Propyl Gallate: safer alternatives
Mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E), rosemary extract, and ascorbyl palmitate are safe alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Propyl Gallate
Is propyl gallate safe?
Japan banned it for food use. EFSA set one of the lowest food additive ADIs (0.1 mg/kg/day), reflecting toxicological concern. Animal studies show liver effects and possible estrogenic activity. The FDA permits it at low levels but precautionary avoidance is reasonable.
What foods contain propyl gallate?
Some vegetable oils, shortening, lard, margarine, and packaged snacks. Check labels for 'propyl gallate,' 'PG,' or 'E310.'
Is propyl gallate an endocrine disruptor?
Some in vitro studies suggest weak estrogenic activity. This has not been definitively confirmed at food use levels in human studies, but the concern warrants precautionary consideration.
Why did Japan ban propyl gallate?
Japan applies a precautionary approach to synthetic food antioxidants. Given concerns about liver effects and potential estrogenic activity, Japan banned propyl gallate for food use along with BHT.
Is propyl gallate in BHA/BHT products?
It is often used in combination with BHA and/or BHT in a synergistic antioxidant package for fats and oils. The combination achieves greater antioxidant protection than each component alone.
How do I avoid propyl gallate?
Check labels for 'propyl gallate,' 'PG,' or 'E310.' Choose products using natural antioxidants like mixed tocopherols or rosemary extract. USDA organic products prohibit propyl gallate.
What is the EFSA ADI for propyl gallate?
EFSA set an ADI of 0.1 mg/kg body weight per day for propyl gallate — one of the lowest ADIs for food additives, reflecting the safety margin required based on liver and reproductive toxicity data.
What replaced propyl gallate?
Mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E, E306-309), rosemary extract, and other natural antioxidants effectively replace propyl gallate without the safety concerns.
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Sources
- EFSA Scientific Opinion on Propyl Gallate (E310) — EFSA
- NTP Toxicology Studies of Propyl Gallate — NTP/NIH
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.