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Ingredient Guide

🇨🇦 Modified Starch on Food Labels in Canada

Modified Starch is permitted with proper declaration in Canada: declare as "modified [source] starch" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Modified starches (E1404–E1452) are food starches treated physically, enzymatically, or chemically to improve texture, stability, and freeze-thaw performance in soups, sauces, and ready meals. In Canada, Modified Starch is regulated under FDR & Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as a food thickener. CFIA: if starch is derived from a priority allergen (wheat), the source must be declared. "Modified wheat starch" required for wheat-derived starches.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "modified [source] starch" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "thickener" and E-number E1400–E1451
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "modified [source] starch"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Modified Starch
  • Omitting the E-number E1400–E1451 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Modified Starch content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"thickener: modified [source] starch"
"modified [source] starch" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... modified [source] starch ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Modified food starch, E1422) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Modified Starch" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Modified Starch and all its common names (Modified starch, Modified food starch, E1422, E1442) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under Canada rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is modified starch (E1400–E1451)?

Modified starches (E1404–E1452) are food starches treated physically, enzymatically, or chemically to improve texture, stability, and freeze-thaw performance in soups, sauces, and ready meals. It commonly appears in: Sauces, Soups, Baby food, Confectionery, Frozen meals.

Is modified starch bad for you?

EFSA’s 2017 group evaluation found no safety concern at reported uses. Importantly, "modified" refers to processing of the starch, not genetic modification. The only allergen consideration is wheat-derived starch, which must be identified in the EU and UK.

How must Modified Starch be declared on food labels in Canada?

Declare as "modified [source] starch" in the ingredient list. CFIA: if starch is derived from a priority allergen (wheat), the source must be declared. "Modified wheat starch" required for wheat-derived starches.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Modified Starch?

Modified Starch may appear under the following names: Modified starch, Modified food starch, E1422, E1442, Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, Acetylated distarch adipate. Common hidden sources include: Sauces, Soups, Baby food, Confectionery, Frozen meals, Dressings, Instant puddings.

Is modified starch banned in Canada or other markets?

Requires mandatory warnings in: EU, UK.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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