About
Edible maize starch is the purified starch extracted from the endosperm of corn (Zea mays L.), presenting as an odourless, white, free-flowing powder with no added colour, flavours, or other chemicals. It is widely used in food manufacturing as a thickener, binder, stabiliser, coating agent, and anti-caking agent in sauces, soups, confectionery, baked goods, and custard-type products.
Safety summary
Unmodified maize starch is considered safe for the general population; JECFA has assigned it an ADI of 'not specified', indicating no identified toxicological concern at typical dietary intake levels. It is a rapidly digestible, high-glycaemic-index carbohydrate, and individuals with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance should moderate consumption. No IARC carcinogenicity classification exists for this ingredient, and it is not considered genotoxic or carcinogenic.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia) | Approved | Maize starch is a permitted food ingredient under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Modified starches derived from maize are permitted food additives with ADI 'not specified'. Unmodified maize starch has no usage restrictions beyond GMP.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Unmodified maize starch is a conventional food ingredient in the EU, not classified as a food additive and therefore not assigned an E number. It is freely permitted under GMP as a food ingredient. Modified starches derived from maize (E 1404–E 1452) are separately regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Standardised under FSS Regulations Chapter 2.4.7 as 'Maize Starch (Corn Starch)'; must be odourless, white, free-flowing powder, free from added colours, flavours, or other chemicals, and free from dirt, insects, larvae, and impurities. Amendment effective 1 September 2023.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Corn starch is affirmed as GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1315 (Direct Food Substances Affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe) for direct human food use under Good Manufacturing Practice conditions, with no specified maximum intake limit. |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. 21 CFR 184.1315 – Corn Starch (Direct Food Substances Affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe). accessdata.fda.gov
- 2FDA. FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) – Corn Starch. hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 3FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards Regulations – Chapter 2.4.7: Maize Starch (FSS Cereal and Cereal Products Standards), 2023. fssai.gov.in
- 4EFSA. Re-evaluation of oxidised starch (E 1404), monostarch phosphate (E 1410), and 10 further modified starches as food additives, 2017. efsa.europa.eu
- 5other. JECFA Compendium of Food Additive Specifications – Starch, Unmodified (49th Session, 1997), 1997. fao.org
