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The facts: Modified Food Starch is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Modified Food Starch on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Campbell's Soup, Gerber Baby Food, Birds Eye Frozen Meals.
TL;DR: Modified Food Starch is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | low |
| Where it shows up | Campbell's Soup, Gerber Baby Food, Birds Eye Frozen Meals, Heinz Ketchup, Prego Pasta Sauce |
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 Starch with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Modified Food Starch is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Campbell's Soup, Gerber Baby Food, Birds Eye Frozen Meals, Heinz Ketchup, Prego Pasta Sauce. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Modified Food Starch.
Arrowroot starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and kuzu root provide similar thickening with minimal processing. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Modified Food Starch or other ingredients restricted overseas.
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Audited products that don't contain Modified Food Starch.
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