Oxidized starch
Learn what Oxidized starch (E1404) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Oxidized starch?
A food additive used as an agglomeration agent, thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and support substance for other additives. It is a so-called 'modified starch', meaning it is starch subjected to a chemical process to improve and adapt its properties to specific requirements, such as increasing stability at very high or low temperatures, in acidic or alkaline environments, extending or shortening coagulation or gelling time, ability to coagulate at low temperatures, texture modification, etc. Modified starch has a greater capacity to absorb water, partially replace fats, and form emulsions. It is used in dairy, meat, egg, fat, cereal-based products, confectionery, bakery, patisserie, fruit and vegetable preserves, sauces, condiments, concentrated soups, creams, puddings, various desserts, and flavored alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Why is Oxidized starch added to food?
Oxidized starch (E1404) is a anti-caking agent commonly found in: Confectionery products, bakery, condiments, soups, preserves, puddings, concentrates, alcoholic beverages.
Permitted quantity: There is no limit on the daily intake.
Is Oxidized starch safe?
Low concern
It does not produce side effects when used in the amounts allowed in food.
Is Oxidized starch banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Oxidized starch okay for kids?
It is also used in a quantity of 50g/l in weaning foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Oxidized starch
- Confectionery products
- bakery
- condiments
- soups
- preserves
- puddings
- concentrates
- alcoholic beverages
How to spot Oxidized starch on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E1404
- Oxidized starch
Common misspellings to watch for:
- oxidized stareh
- oxidized $tarch
- oxldized starch
- oxidized starch
- oxidlzed starch
- oxidized stdrch
Better alternatives
• May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to starch. • Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and abdominal cramps. • People with kidney or liver conditions should avoid consuming this ingredient in large quantities. • Not recommended for people with starch intolerance or those on restrictive diets.
Also known as
- oxidized stareh
- oxidized $tarch
- oxldized starch
- oxidized starch
- oxidlzed starch
- oxidized stdrch
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Oxidized starch? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E1404 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Oxidized starch
- Is Oxidized starch safe to eat?
- It does not produce side effects when used in the amounts allowed in food.
- Is Oxidized starch banned anywhere?
- Oxidized starch is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Oxidized starch safe for children?
- It is also used in a quantity of 50g/l in weaning foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Oxidized starch on a food label?
- Look for E1404, Oxidized starch in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: oxidized stareh, oxidized $tarch, oxldized starch.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.