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Answer: Modified Food Starch is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Campbell's Soup, Gerber Baby Food, Birds Eye Frozen Meals.
TL;DR: Modified Food Starch is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called modified starch. (E1422) CAS 9005-84-9.
Other names: modified starch, E1400-E1450 range, chemically modified starch
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Campbell's Soup, Gerber Baby Food, Birds Eye Frozen Meals, Heinz Ketchup, Prego Pasta Sauce |
| CAS number | 9005-84-9 |
Modified food starch is starch (derived from corn, wheat, potato, rice, or tapioca) that has been physically, enzymatically, or chemically treated to alter its properties such as thickening ability, heat stability, or freeze-thaw stability. The term 'modified' refers to chemical modification, not genetic modification. Dozens of specific modifications exist, each designated with E numbers E1400–E1450 in the EU.
Improves texture, stability, and consistency in sauces, soups, baby food, and processed foods; resists breakdown during cooking, freezing, or acidic conditions.
Modified food starches are generally recognized as safe by the FDA and EFSA. Modified starches from wheat must be declared as allergens in the EU. Phosphorylated starch modifications (E1412, E1414) are permitted at specific maximum levels by EFSA, which noted no safety concerns at authorized levels in its 2017 re-evaluation. Concerns have been raised about the use of modified starch in infant foods — EFSA's Scientific Panel set conservative limits for infants. For healthy adults, dietary exposure via processed foods poses no identified risk.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Modified Food Starchwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Arrowroot starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and kuzu root provide similar thickening with minimal processing.
'Modified' refers to chemical processing, not genetic modification. However, if derived from corn or soy, the starch source may be from GMO crops.
If derived from wheat, it may contain gluten traces and must be declared in the EU. Corn or tapioca-based varieties are gluten-free.
No. Each specific modification is individually approved in the EU (E1400–E1450 range) and in the US.
EFSA has set conservative limits for use in infant foods; at permitted levels it is considered safe.
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