What is E311?
E311 is Octyl gallate, a food additive used as an antioxidant. Synthetic. No longer permitted in UK and EU food, but may appear on imported products.
Also written as: INS 311, E-311, E 311. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E311 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E311 (Octyl gallate) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Why we classify it this way
Halal Synthetic. No longer permitted in UK and EU food, but may appear on imported products.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E311 halal?
E311 (Octyl gallate) is halal. Synthetic. No longer permitted in UK and EU food, but may appear on imported products.
What is E311 made from?
Synthetic.
What is E311 used for?
E311 is used as an antioxidant, typically in oils, crisps, cereals and fatty foods.
What should I do if a product contains E311?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E311 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E311 (Octyl gallate) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.