E1412

What is E1412?

Distarch phosphate (E1412) is a modified starch used as a thickener, stabiliser or texture agent. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a preference to keep modified starches occasional.

Quick answer

E1412 is starch that has been modified with phosphate groups so it can perform differently during heating, cooling, mixing or storage.

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Read the FAQ →

What is Distarch phosphate?

E1412 is starch that has been modified with phosphate groups so it can perform differently during heating, cooling, mixing or storage.

What's it used for?

  • Thickening sauces and fillings
  • Stabilising texture during processing
  • Improving freeze-thaw or heating performance in selected foods

Where you'll find E1412 on the shelf

It is most relevant to sauces, desserts, fillings, prepared foods and products needing a consistent starch texture.

Sauces and gravies
Desserts and fillings
Prepared foods
Modified starch blends
Modified starch (1412)

Is E1412 safe? What the regulators say

E1412 is a permitted modified starch in the three systems checked, with category-specific conditions and specifications.

Region Status What this means
AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) Permitted with conditions FSANZ lists distarch phosphate as additive 1412 in Schedule 15; use depends on the food category and conditions.
EU European Union (EFSA) Authorised with conditions E1412 is included in the EU Union list for specified uses and must meet the relevant identity and purity specifications.
US United States (FDA) Permitted under specified food-use rules FDA recognises modified food starches under the applicable food-additive framework; the exact basis depends on the modification and food use.

Caution reflects a preference to notice modified starches, not a claim that authorised E1412 use causes a health outcome.

📰 Recent developments Last checked September 2026
  • FSANZ Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, additive 1412.
  • EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list, E1412.
  • FDA 21 CFR 172.892, Food starch-modified.

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 less-modified ingredients
  • People comparing sauces and prepared foods
  • People following a clinician-guided dietary plan

Goodnessly rates E1412 Caution as a practical preference for moderation and label awareness.

How to spot it on a label

Look for:

  • Distarch phosphate
  • 1412 or E1412
  • Modified starch (1412)
  • Thickener (1412)

The label may use the name, number or the functional class followed by the number.

Related additives

1400 Dextrin roasted starch 1410 Monostarch phosphate 1422 Acetylated distarch adipate 1442 Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate

Frequently asked questions

What is E1412?

E1412 is distarch phosphate, a modified starch used for thickening and texture.

Is E1412 permitted?

E1412 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US, subject to specifications and food-use rules.

Why is E1412 rated Caution?

Goodnessly uses Caution as a preference to keep modified starches occasional.

How does Goodnessly rate E1412?

Goodnessly rates E1412 (distarch phosphate) as Caution.

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