What is E1404?
Oxidised starch (E1404) is a modified starch used for texture, thickening and stability. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice modified starches.
E1404 is starch treated to change its functional properties, such as viscosity and film-forming behaviour. Its use is tied to technical function and regulatory specifications.
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What is Oxidised starch?
E1404 is starch treated to change its functional properties, such as viscosity and film-forming behaviour. Its use is tied to technical function and regulatory specifications.
What's it used for?
- Thickening foods
- Supporting texture and stability
- Improving processing performance
- Helping form films or coatings in selected uses
Where you'll find E1404 on the shelf
It is most relevant to sauces, bakery fillings, desserts, coatings and other formulated foods.
Is E1404 safe? What the regulators say
E1404 is authorised or permitted in all three systems checked, subject to the food category, good manufacturing practice and identity specifications.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists oxidised starch as additive 1404 in its food-additive framework. Schedule 15 conditions and specifications apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E1404 is included in the EU Union list, generally under category-specific or quantum satis conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted for specified uses | FDA 21 CFR 172.892 permits food starch-modified by specified oxidation treatment, subject to treatment and use conditions. |
Goodnessly rates E1404 Caution as a preference to notice modified starches, not as a claim that authorised use causes harm.
- FSANZ additive-numbering materials identify E1404; current permissions are in Schedule 15.
- EU Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 lists E1404 in the Union list.
- 21 CFR 172.892 sets the US food-starch-modified requirements for oxidised starch.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who prefer fewer texture-modifying ingredients
- People comparing packaged sauces and desserts
- People following professional advice about a specific dietary pattern
The function of E1404 is usually texture-related, so compare it with the rest of the ingredient list rather than reading the code in isolation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Oxidised starch
- 1404 or E1404
- Modified starch (1404)
- Thickener (1404)
Look for oxidised starch, modified starch or the functional class followed by 1404.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E1404?
E1404 is oxidised starch, a modified starch used for texture, thickening and stability.
Is E1404 permitted?
E1404 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US, subject to treatment, category and specification rules.
Why is E1404 rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a preference to notice modified starches and compare the wider formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E1404?
Goodnessly rates E1404 (oxidised starch) as Caution.
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