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ThickenerINS 1420
E1420

Acetylated starch

What you need to know

Acetylated starch is a modified starch used to keep textures stable through heating and chewing — common in gum and sauces.

“Modified” here means physically/chemically treated starch, not genetically modified.

The body digests it like ordinary starch; regulators consider it very low concern.

Where it stands, by region

The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.

🇦🇺AU / NZApproved
Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code).
🇪🇺EUApproved
Permitted (EFSA).
🇺🇸USApproved
Permitted (FDA).
🇨🇦CAApproved
Permitted (Health Canada).

Health evidence

How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.

Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Unknown
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown

Starch acetate. JECFA ADI 'not specified' for modified starches.

Synthesis: Starch-derivedADI Not specified (acceptable)