Preservatives
Propyl gallate
Definition
What it is
Propyl gallate: synthetic antioxidant preservative; animal studies suggest endocrine-disrupting properties and possible carcinogenicity.
On the label
How it appears on labels
- propyl gallate
Regulation
Regulatory status
- Japan Banned
- European Union Restricted
Explainer
In plain language
Propyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant preservative added to foods that contain fats and oils. Its job is to slow rancidity, keeping products from developing off flavors and smells as the fats break down over time. It is often used alongside other antioxidant preservatives like BHA and BHT.
Assessment
Why it is flagged
Some animal studies have raised questions about propyl gallate, including possible endocrine-disrupting effects and mixed findings on carcinogenicity, though results have not been consistent across studies. The FDA lists it as generally recognized as safe within permitted limits, and EFSA has reviewed it and set an acceptable daily intake. The evidence for harm at the low levels used in food is limited and contested rather than settled. Clear Label flags it at medium severity because it is a synthetic additive with open questions in the animal literature, and because it often appears in the same products as other flagged preservatives. Any personal pattern is something to test in your own logs rather than assume.
In the aisle
Where it commonly shows up
- Vegetable oils and shortening
- Snack foods and chips
- Chewing gum
- Dried and cured meats
- Bouillon and soup bases
- Some baked goods and mixes
Practical
Reading the label
It is usually listed by name as 'propyl gallate' and often appears next to BHA or BHT in the ingredient list. It sometimes hides in the oil or fat portion of a product rather than being added to the whole recipe.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid it
Some people choose products preserved with vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract instead, or fresher products with shorter shelf lives and simpler ingredient lists.
FAQ
Common questions
Is propyl gallate safe to eat?
Regulators including the FDA and EFSA permit it within set limits and consider it acceptable at those levels. Some animal studies have raised questions about hormonal effects and carcinogenicity, but the evidence is mixed and not settled for the low amounts used in food.
Why is it often listed with BHA and BHT?
These are all antioxidant preservatives that slow fat rancidity, and manufacturers sometimes combine them for a stronger effect. Seeing them together is common in oils, snacks, and processed meats.
Citations
Sources
Citation
Primary reference
About this page: the definition, label names, severity, and regulatory chips come from the clearlabel ingredient taxonomy, the same data the scanner uses to score products. Research summaries describe associations reported in published studies, not diagnoses; individual responses vary. Scan any product with clearlabel to see which of its ingredients carry flags.