# Starch, Food, Modified: Acetylated Distarch Phosphate (E1414)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E1414
**CAS number:** 68130-14-3
**Category:** stabilizer
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Acetylated distarch phosphate is a chemically modified starch used as a stabilizer and thickener in food products. It is produced by treating food starch with acetic anhydride and phosphorus oxychloride to improve its functional properties in processed foods.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Acetylated Distarch Phosphate?

Acetylated distarch phosphate (ADP) is a modified food starch created through chemical modification of native starch. The modification process involves acetylation (addition of acetyl groups) and phosphorylation (addition of phosphate groups) using food-grade reagents. This additive is classified as a stabilizer and thickener and is identified by CAS Number 68130-14-3. The chemical modifications alter the starch's molecular structure, enhancing its functional properties while maintaining its carbohydrate base.

## Common Uses

Acetylated distarch phosphate is used primarily in processed food applications where stabilization and thickening are desired. Common applications include:

- Canned and frozen food products
- Sauces and gravies
- Soup bases and prepared meals
- Salad dressings and condiments
- Dessert fillings and puddings
- Processed meat products

The modified starch helps maintain consistency, prevent separation, improve texture, and extend shelf life in these products. Its modified properties allow it to perform better under high heat, acidic conditions, and extended storage compared to unmodified starch.

## Safety Assessment

Acetylated distarch phosphate has been extensively used in food manufacturing with no reported adverse events documented in the FDA database. There have been no FDA recalls associated with this additive. The compound is composed of natural starch with food-approved chemical modifications, and the reagents used in its production (acetic anhydride and phosphorus oxychloride) are recognized food processing aids that do not leave harmful residues in the final product.

As a modified starch derivative, ADP is primarily composed of carbohydrates and is metabolized similarly to other starches in the human body. The acetyl and phosphate groups are hydrolyzed during digestion, and their components are utilized through normal metabolic pathways.

## Regulatory Status

Acetylated distarch phosphate is not listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA under the current GRAS notification program. However, this does not indicate the additive is unsafe; rather, it reflects that it may be approved through other regulatory pathways such as food additive petitions or existing exemptions. Different regulatory jurisdictions have varying approval statuses:

- The European Union lists acetylated distarch phosphate (E1422) as an approved food additive with established use levels
- It is permitted in various food categories across multiple countries
- The additive is subject to standard food additive regulations and labeling requirements where permitted

Manufacturers using this additive must comply with applicable regulations in their respective markets and declare it on product labels according to local requirements.

## Key Studies

Modified starches, including acetylated distarch phosphate, have been subject to safety evaluations by regulatory agencies and scientific bodies. Research on modified starches generally demonstrates:

- Low acute toxicity when tested in animal models
- No evidence of genotoxicity (DNA damage) in standard assays
- Limited systemic absorption due to digestive breakdown before intestinal uptake
- Metabolic handling consistent with carbohydrate metabolism

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other scientific bodies have evaluated modified starches and established acceptable use levels based on toxicological data. The chemical modifications present in ADP do not create novel toxicological concerns beyond those associated with the parent starch material.

Additional research continues to monitor the safety of food additives through post-market surveillance and ongoing regulatory oversight. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls provides practical evidence of safe use in commercial food applications.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Starch, Food, Modified: Acetylated Distarch Phosphate (E1414) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/starch-food-modified-acetylated-distarch-phosphate. Accessed 2026-05-20.