Is Modified Food Starch Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Modified Food Starch is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Also called modified starch. (E1422) CAS 9005-84-9.
Other names: modified starch, E1400-E1450 range, chemically modified starch
Is Modified Food Starch banned in the EU?
| 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 |
What is Modified Food Starch?
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.
Why is Modified Food Starch used in food?
Improves texture, stability, and consistency in sauces, soups, baby food, and processed foods; resists breakdown during cooking, freezing, or acidic conditions.
Is Modified Food Starch dangerous? Documented risks
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.
Common US products containing Modified Food Starch
How to avoid Modified Food Starch: safer alternatives
Arrowroot starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and kuzu root provide similar thickening with minimal processing.
Frequently asked questions about Modified Food Starch
Is modified food starch a GMO ingredient?
'Modified' refers to chemical processing, not genetic modification. However, if derived from corn or soy, the starch source may be from GMO crops.
Is modified food starch safe for gluten-free diets?
If derived from wheat, it may contain gluten traces and must be declared in the EU. Corn or tapioca-based varieties are gluten-free.
Is modified food starch banned anywhere?
No. Each specific modification is individually approved in the EU (E1400–E1450 range) and in the US.
Is modified food starch in baby food safe?
EFSA has set conservative limits for use in infant foods; at permitted levels it is considered safe.
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Sources
- Re-evaluation of modified starches (E 1404–E 1452) as food additives — EFSA
- FDA 21 CFR 172.892 — Food starch-modified — FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.