E311 Octyl Gallate – Antioxidant Food Additive
E311 (octyl 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 "E311"
E311 (octyl 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 E311 (Octyl Gallate)?
E311 is the European Union designation for octyl gallate, a synthetically produced ester of gallic acid. It belongs to the group of antioxidant food additives and is used to prevent the oxidative deterioration of fat-containing foods. Octyl gallate is part of the gallate family, which also includes E310 (propyl gallate) and E312 (dodecyl gallate).
Uses and Occurrence
E311 is primarily used in fat-containing food products to extend shelf life and maintain quality by preventing fats and oils from oxidizing and becoming rancid when exposed to air.
- Vegetable and animal edible fats and oils
- Frying fats and margarine
- Baked goods with a high fat content
- Chewing gums and confectionery
- Cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations (as a technical excipient)
Mechanism of Action
Octyl gallate acts as a primary antioxidant. It interrupts the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation by scavenging free radicals that are generated during the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. This slows down fat degradation and extends the shelf life of the food product. E311 is often used in combination with other antioxidants such as E300 (ascorbic acid) or E321 (BHA), and synergists such as E330 (citric acid), to enhance the protective effect.
Regulatory Status
In the European Union, E311 is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Its use is restricted to specific food categories, and maximum permitted levels apply, which vary depending on the product group. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted a re-evaluation of the safety of gallates, including octyl gallate.
Safety and Possible Side Effects
When used as intended and within approved maximum levels, E311 is generally considered safe. However, in rare cases, sensitive individuals may react to gallates:
- Allergic reactions: Skin irritation, contact dermatitis, or urticaria (hives) have been reported in isolated cases.
- Cross-reactions: Individuals with a known intolerance to propyl gallate (E310) may also react to octyl gallate.
- Gastrointestinal complaints: Gastric irritation has been observed in animal studies at very high intake levels.
People with a known gallate sensitivity should check the ingredient labels of food products carefully. For infants and young children, dietary exposure is generally not a concern due to the absence of approval in foods intended for this age group.
Labelling
Under EU labelling regulations, E311 must be declared in the ingredient list either as E311 or under its name octyl gallate. Consumers who wish to avoid this additive can identify it easily through product labelling.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of propyl gallate (E 310), octyl gallate (E 311) and dodecyl gallate (E 312) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2020.
- European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
- Becker, E.M. et al. - Antioxidants used in food: An overview of their structure and occurrence. European Food Research and Technology, 2004.
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Related search terms: E311-en