E310 Propyl Gallate: Effects, Safety and Uses
E310 (propyl gallate) is a synthetic food additive used as an antioxidant to protect fats and oils in food products from oxidative spoilage and rancidity.
Things worth knowing about "E310"
E310 (propyl gallate) is a synthetic food additive used as an antioxidant to protect fats and oils in food products from oxidative spoilage and rancidity.
What is E310 (Propyl Gallate)?
E310, commonly known as propyl gallate, is a synthetically produced food additive belonging to the group of antioxidants. It is the propyl ester of gallic acid, a naturally occurring phenolic carboxylic acid. In the food industry, E310 is used to protect fat-containing products from oxidative deterioration – commonly known as rancidity – thereby extending their shelf life.
Use in Food Products
Propyl gallate is primarily used in foods with a high fat content, as fats and oils are particularly susceptible to oxidation. Typical applications include:
- Vegetable and animal edible fats and oils
- Margarine and lard
- Chewing gum and chewing gum base
- Snack products, crisps, and fried foods
- Dehydrated soups and instant products
- Cosmetics and pharmaceutical products (as a technical excipient)
In the European Union, the permitted maximum levels are regulated under Annex II of Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives and typically range from 25 to 200 mg/kg depending on the product category.
Mechanism of Action
As an antioxidant, propyl gallate works by scavenging free radicals generated during the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. By interrupting this chain reaction, E310 prevents the formation of aldehydes, ketones, and other degradation products responsible for the characteristic rancid odour and taste. Propyl gallate acts synergistically with other antioxidants such as E306 (tocopherols), E320 (BHA), and E321 (BHT), as well as with chelating agents such as citric acid (E330).
Health Assessment and Safety
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E310 and established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) value for the gallate group (E310, E311, E312) of 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA, 2014). When used within the approved maximum levels, E310 is considered safe for the general population.
However, there are some indications of possible adverse effects in sensitive individuals:
- Allergic reactions: In some people, E310 can trigger contact allergies or hypersensitivity reactions, particularly upon direct skin contact.
- Pseudo-allergies: In rare cases, reactions resembling allergies – such as urticaria or asthma – have been reported that are not immunologically mediated.
- Possible oestrogenic activity: Some animal studies suggest a weak oestrogen-like activity; however, the relevance for humans at typical dietary exposure levels remains unclear.
- Methaemoglobinaemia: At very high doses (far exceeding food exposure levels), impairment of oxygen transport in the blood was observed in animal studies.
Individuals with known hypersensitivity to gallates or aspirin intolerance should check products for the presence of E310, as cross-reactivity is possible.
Labelling and Regulation
In the European Union, E310 must be declared on the ingredient list of food products either by its E-number E310 or by its name propyl gallate. Its use is restricted to specific food categories and governed by Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008. In certain countries outside the EU, such as Australia and the United States, propyl gallate is also permitted but subject to different regulatory limits.
References
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS): Re-evaluation of propyl gallate (E 310) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 2014;12(4):3642. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3642
- European Commission: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union.
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Food additives – antioxidants. www.bfr.bund.de
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