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Answer: Yes — Propyl Gallate is banned in 1 country/region including Japan (banned for food use). The FDA still allows it in US food. Commonly found in: Some vegetable oils, Shortening, Lard.
TL;DR: Propyl Gallate is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called PG. (E310)
Other names: PG, E310, Propyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | — |
| Where it shows up | Some vegetable oils, Shortening, Lard, Margarine, Various packaged snacks, Some cosmetics |
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.
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.
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Propyl Gallatewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E), rosemary extract, and ascorbyl palmitate are safe alternatives.
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.
Some vegetable oils, shortening, lard, margarine, and packaged snacks. Check labels for 'propyl gallate,' 'PG,' or 'E310.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E, E306-309), rosemary extract, and other natural antioxidants effectively replace propyl gallate without the safety concerns.
Audited products that don't contain Propyl Gallate.
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