Allervibe
E1412
Distarch phosphate
A modified starch whose chains are cross-linked with phosphate groups so that it withstands heat, acid and stirring.
i Additive Details
| Is E1412 Distarch phosphate safe?
The base starch can be maize, potato, tapioca, rice or wheat, and when it is wheat, gluten may be present. EU labelling rules require the cereal to be named whenever a modified starch is made from a gluten-containing cereal, so the ingredient list should read 'modified wheat starch' rather than simply 'modified starch'. An unqualified 'modified starch' on an EU label should therefore not come from a gluten-containing cereal, but if you are coeliac check the declaration rather than assuming. Highly refined wheat starch can be low enough in gluten to be used in gluten-free products, which is why the wording on the pack matters. Part of the cross-linked starch resists digestion and is fermented in the colon, so very large amounts may cause gas.
| Uses
Thickens and stabilizes soups, sauces, gravies, ready meals, canned foods, dairy desserts, fillings and baby foods. The cross-links stop the starch granules from breaking down during cooking, canning or long storage, so the product keeps its body instead of thinning out.
| Interactions
Often used alongside other modified starches and with gums such as xanthan (E415) and guar (E412) to fine-tune texture. It is closely related to acetylated distarch phosphate (E1414) and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (E1442), which add a second modification to the same cross-linked backbone.
| Origin
Native starch treated with sodium trimetaphosphate or phosphorus oxychloride, which links neighbouring starch chains through phosphate bridges. The plant source, whether maize, waxy maize, potato, tapioca, rice or wheat, is chosen by the manufacturer and is not stated on the label unless it is a gluten-containing cereal.
| Daily Intake
No numerical ADI has been set. JECFA gives the modified starches a group 'ADI not specified', and EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation of modified starches found no safety concern at the reported levels of use, while recommending a separate assessment for foods intended for infants under 16 weeks of age.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E414 Acacia gum (Gum arabic) A soluble fibre made from the hardened sap of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees, used as a thickener, emulsifier and glazing agent.
- E410 Locust bean gum A galactomannan gum milled from the seeds of the carob tree, used to thicken and stabilize.
- E412 Guar gum A galactomannan gum milled from guar beans, a legume, used to thicken and stabilize.
- E440 Pectins A family of plant polysaccharides extracted mainly from citrus peel and apple pomace, used as a gelling agent.
- E466 Carboxymethyl cellulose A chemically modified, water-soluble cellulose used as a thickener, stabilizer and bulking agent, also labelled cellulose gum.
- E1442 Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate A modified starch that is both cross-linked with phosphate and etherified with hydroxypropyl groups, which gives it freeze-thaw stability.
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