E313

E313 is the European Union designation for dodecyl gallate, an antioxidant that is an ester of gallic acid and dodecanol. It is used in the food industry to slow lipid oxidation, helping to prevent rancidity and to stabilize flavors and colors in certain fat-containing products.

Chemically, dodecyl gallate belongs to the gallate ester family. As an antioxidant, it functions by scavenging free radicals that form during storage and processing. It is one of several gallate esters employed in foods to protect fat-containing ingredients, often alongside other antioxidants.

Regulatory status and usage vary by jurisdiction. In the European Union, E313 is approved for use in specific food categories, with maximum permitted levels differing by product type. It is included in the EU list of approved additives and subject to labeling and safety requirements. Other countries may have different approvals or restrictions.

Safety considerations have been reviewed by regulatory agencies. When used at approved levels, gallates are generally regarded as safe, though some animal studies have reported adverse effects at high doses. Typical dietary exposure from ordinary consumption is well below concerning thresholds. Ongoing assessments by safety authorities continue to monitor new data and refine recommendations.

See also: other gallate esters used as antioxidants, such as propyl gallate and octyl gallate, and other widely used antioxidants like butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene.