Propyl Gallate
Last reviewed October 18, 2026 · Evidence strength: Very limited · How we grade evidence
In plain words: Propyl gallate is an antioxidant that keeps oils, gum and some meats from going rancid. Lab tests at high doses raised questions, but there's no evidence it causes cancer or heart disease in people at the tiny amounts used. Like TBHQ, it mostly marks a processed food rather than being a danger by itself.
Also listed on labels as: Propyl gallate, E310
What is it, and why is it in food?
Propyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant, often used together with BHA or BHT. US rules cap total antioxidants at 0.02% of the fat. It's in sausages, puddings, frozen breakfast sandwiches, gum and oils.
What does the science say?
| The popular claim | "Sodium benzoate and propyl gallate have been linked to an increased likelihood of cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders." (Dr. Eric Berg; no source given for propyl gallate) |
| Our verdict on that claim | Not supported |
| Evidence strength | Very limited: lab studies at high doses only; no human studies. |
| Kinds of studies | Lab studies, regulatory reviews |
- Lab studies: A 2024 review says TBHQ, BHA and propyl gallate can damage cells and DNA "if absorbed in high doses", based mostly on lab work.1
- People: No human studies link dietary propyl gallate to cancer, heart disease or brain disease.
What do regulators say?
- EFSA (2014) set a safe daily limit of 0.5 mg per kg of body weight.2
- FDA: GRAS, total antioxidants up to 0.02% of the fat.3
Who should be careful?
- No group with proven risk. Rare skin allergy to propyl gallate is known from lipsticks and ointments.
How common is it in US foods?
In our check of USDA's Branded Foods database, 1,228 of 438,129 US packaged foods with an ingredient list name propyl gallate (about 0.3%, or roughly 1 in 357).4 It shows up most often in: sausages, hotdogs & brats (287); puddings & custards (139); frozen breakfast sandwiches, biscuits & meals (106); pizza (85); bacon, sausages & ribs (64). These are label records companies sent to USDA, mostly in 2021 to 2023, so some products have changed since. Counts come from a text match of ingredient lists and are approximate.
Swaps and tips for families
- Compare sausage brands; many use rosemary extract or vitamin E instead.
- No need to hunt it down specifically.
Beyond the plate: related non-food exposures
Propyl gallate is used in cosmetics, adhesives and lubricants. Contact allergy (for example from lipsticks or ointments) is documented in dermatology but rare.
Frequently asked questions
Is propyl gallate bad for you?
There's no human evidence of harm at food levels. Lab studies at high doses raised questions.
Is propyl gallate banned in Europe?
No. It's allowed in the EU as E310 with a safe daily limit.
What foods have propyl gallate?
Mainly sausages, puddings, frozen breakfast sandwiches, gum and some oils.
Related guides
- BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
- TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone)
- Sodium Nitrite and Nitrate
- Preservatives and acids
Sources
Every source below was checked against PubMed, the publisher or the official page by our research team in October 2026.
- Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl gallate as synthetic food antioxidants. Food science & nutrition, 2024. PubMed 39479655 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.4373
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of propyl gallate (E 310) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2014. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3642
- 21 CFR 184.1660 Propyl gallate. Link
- FoodData Central, Branded Foods dataset (release 2026-04-30). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2026. Link
This guide is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. If you think you or your child reacted to a food, talk to a health professional. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 18, 2026. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].