thickener INS 1404

Oxidized starch E1404

modified starch — Primarily natural/processed.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Oxidized starch

CAS: 65996-62-5

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Oxidized starch?

Oxidized starch is produced by treatment of native starch with sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide, introducing carboxyl and carbonyl groups that reduce viscosity, improve clarity, and provide better film-forming and adhesive properties. Used as a thickener in salad dressings, confectionery panning, and paper coating (food packaging). JECFA considers it acceptable with no ADI specified. EFSA confirmed safety in 2017. Approved in EU, USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia. The oxidation level is controlled to meet food-grade specifications with minimal chemical residues.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Oxidized starch is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Although classified as natural in origin, commercial Oxidized starch is typically manufactured rather than extracted directly from food sources.

In the EU, Oxidized starch has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

No restrictions on use levels

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

GRAS for use in food

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Approved modified starch

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

not specified (acceptable for use quantum satis)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

not specified

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical oxidation

Native starch is treated with oxidizing agents (sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, or peracetic acid) under controlled pH and temperature.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Absorbent and binder in powders

Medical

Tablet binder and disintegrant

Industrial

Paper coating, textile sizing, adhesives

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oxidized starch (E1404)?

Oxidized starch (E1404) is a thickener used in food products. It is modified starch and natural/processed. Starch treated with oxidizing agents like sodium hypochlorite. Produces clearer, more stable pastes with lower viscosity than native starch.

What is the ADI for Oxidized starch?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Oxidized starch is not specified (acceptable for use quantum satis) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Oxidized starch?

Oxidized starch is used in various food categories including All food categories. It is used as a thickener in these products.