E310

What is E310?

Propyl gallate (E310) — an antioxidant used in selected fats, oils, chewing gum and other formulated foods.

Quick answer

Propyl gallate (E310) is an antioxidant used to help protect some fats and oils from oxidation. It is permitted for specified uses in Australia/NZ, the EU and the US. The US lists direct food uses under 21 CFR 184.1660 and also has a GRAS preservative entry under 21 CFR 582.3660. Goodnessly rates it Avoid as a preference against routine synthetic antioxidants.

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What is propyl gallate?

Propyl gallate is the propyl ester of gallic acid and is used as an antioxidant in some food formulations. It may be declared as "propyl gallate", "310", "E310" or "antioxidant (310)".

What's it used for?

  • Slowing oxidation in selected edible fats and oils
  • Protecting flavour and quality during shelf life
  • Use in some chewing-gum bases and formulated foods
  • Working alongside other permitted antioxidants in a recipe

Where you'll find E310 on the shelf

Propyl gallate is most likely in packaged foods where protection of fats or oils is part of the formulation.

Edible oils & oil emulsions
Chewing gum
Packaged foods with fats
Dry mixes
Shelf-stable foods
Antioxidant (310)

Is propyl gallate safe? What the research says

Propyl gallate has category-specific permissions and use limits. The US rules describe specified direct-food uses and a total-antioxidant limit in relevant contexts. Goodnessly’s Avoid rating reflects a preference for fewer synthetic antioxidants, not a claim that authorised use is a ban or proven harm.

Region Status What this means
AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) Permitted (specified foods; Schedule 15) FSANZ lists propyl gallate as additive 310. The Food Standards Code sets food-category permissions and maximum levels; the additive must be declared by name or code number when used.
EU European Union (EFSA) Authorised; category-specific conditions E310 appears in the EU Union list under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for specified food categories and conditions. Confirm the current Annex II entry for a particular formulation.
US United States (FDA) GRAS / direct-food conditions under 21 CFR 184.1660 21 CFR 184.1660 affirms propyl gallate as generally recognised as safe for specified direct food uses, with the regulation’s named categories and levels. 21 CFR 582.3660 also describes a total-antioxidant limit for its GRAS preservative use.

Propyl gallate is not the same substance as octyl gallate or dodecyl gallate. A regulatory permission does not reveal how much is present in a particular product; the ingredient list cannot show the amount.

📰 Recent developments Last checked September 2026
  • FSANZ: additive 310 is included in the Food Standards Code with category-specific permissions and maximum levels.
  • EU: E310 remains listed for specified food categories under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
  • FDA 21 CFR 184.1660 / 582.3660: direct-food and GRAS conditions describe permitted uses and antioxidant limits.

This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.

Who might want to limit or avoid it

  • People who prefer to avoid synthetic antioxidants
  • Households reducing packaged foods with several antioxidant or preservative codes
  • Anyone comparing products and choosing the shorter ingredient list

Goodnessly rates E310 Avoid. Propyl gallate is permitted for specified uses in the three regions, but our preference is to keep routine synthetic antioxidants out of the Clear tier.

How to spot it on a label

Look for:

  • Propyl gallate
  • 310 or E310
  • Antioxidant (310)
  • Propyl gallate alongside BHA, BHT or TBHQ
  • Other gallates such as octyl or dodecyl gallate

Do not confuse E310 propyl gallate with E311 octyl gallate or E312 dodecyl gallate.

Related additives

319 tert-Butylhydroquinone 320 Butylated hydroxyanisole

Frequently asked questions

What is E310?

E310 is propyl gallate, an antioxidant used in selected formulated foods and edible-fat systems.

Is propyl gallate permitted?

Yes. Propyl gallate is permitted for specified uses in Australia/NZ and the EU, and US regulations describe direct-food and GRAS conditions.

Is E310 the same as TBHQ?

No. E310 is propyl gallate and E319 is TBHQ. They are different antioxidant substances.

Does Goodnessly rate E310 as safe, caution or avoid?

Goodnessly rates E310 (propyl gallate) as Avoid.

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