Dodecyl Gallate E312
synthetic phenolic antioxidant — Primarily synthetic.
Dodecyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate
CAS: 1166-52-5
Factual Regulatory Reference
This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
What Is Dodecyl Gallate?
Dodecyl gallate (lauryl gallate) is a fatty acid ester of gallic acid used as an antioxidant in edible fats and oils. Its long carbon chain (12 carbons) makes it highly lipophilic, providing excellent compatibility with fat phases. Like other gallates (E310, E311), it belongs to the EFSA-evaluated gallate group with a group ADI of 0.1 mg/kg body weight (2014 assessment). Approved in the EU for use in fats and oils. Less commonly found in food products compared to propyl gallate due to its limited applications.
? Did You Know?
Beyond food, Dodecyl Gallate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
Regulatory opinions differ: Dodecyl Gallate is approved in USA, JAPAN, CANADA but banned in EU. This reflects different risk assessment philosophies between regions.
Regulatory Analysis
Dodecyl gallate (E312) was removed from EU authorization in 2018 alongside E311, both under Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/97, following EFSA's inability to confirm safety due to inadequate toxicological data for the longer-chain gallates. The regulatory pathway mirrors E311: JECFA declined to establish an individual ADI in 1996, and EFSA could not complete a positive re-evaluation. Structurally, E312 differs from propyl gallate (E310) only in its longer carbon chain (12 versus 3), yet this difference was sufficient for regulators to treat the three gallates differently — propyl gallate survived EU review while its longer-chain analogues did not. The USA and Japan retain authorization, reflecting their different standards: the FDA's 21 CFR 172.615 approval and Japan's designated additive listing both predate the EU's positive evidence requirement for continued authorization.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
REMOVED from EU approved additives list in 2018 due to persistent safety concerns
United States (FDA)
Previously approved with limits; current use declining after EU removal
Japan (MHLW)
Status maintained despite EU removal
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Everyday Perspective
For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:
Natural Occurrence
This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.
Manufacturing
Produced by esterifying gallic acid with dodecanol (dodecyl/lauryl alcohol). Highest fat solubility of all gallates due to 12-carbon chain. Empirical formula: C₁₉H₃₀O₅, Molecular weight: 338.44.
Applications Beyond Food
Historical use in cosmetics and hair products (now largely discontinued)
Historical use (discontinued)
Limited to research/analytical standards