Octyl gallate

Octyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant belonging to the gallate ester family, alongside propyl gallate (E310) and dodecyl gallate (E312). Its octyl chain makes it more lipophilic than propyl gallate, allowing better distribution in fatty food matrices. It prevents oxidative rancidity in fats, oils, and fat-containing products such as fried snacks, baked goods, and processed meats.

JECFA's ADI for octyl gallate is 0.1 mg per kilogram body weight per day, evaluated in 1995 — lower than propyl gallate's ADI, reflecting greater lipophilicity. The same structural endocrine-activity concerns identified for propyl gallate apply to octyl gallate, though at food additive concentrations these effects have not been confirmed as clinically relevant in humans.

Octyl gallate is approved in the EU and several other markets. It is less commonly used than propyl gallate and is typically encountered in combination antioxidant systems in deep-fried snack foods, chewing gum base, and processed meats. Consumers preferring to avoid synthetic antioxidants can identify it as E311 or "octyl gallate" on labels. Natural alternatives such as rosemary extract (E392) or mixed tocopherols (E306) are increasingly used in reformulated products.