Digestoa
Additive · Modified starch

Oxidised starch (E1404)

Oxidised starch (E1404) is a modified starch that Digestoa rates as low concern — it's considered safe at the levels used in food.

Digestoa riskLow risk
TypeModified starch
Found insauces, soups, ready meals, desserts and many processed foods
ConcernsUltra-processing marker

What is Oxidised starch?

Oxidised starch (E1404) is a modified starch — used to thicken and stabilise processed foods.

Is Oxidised starch bad for you?

Oxidised starch is permitted in food and Digestoa rates it as low concern. There's no strong evidence it causes harm at the levels typically used in food.

What foods contain Oxidised starch?

Sauces, soups, ready meals, desserts and many processed foods.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Oxidised starch. It's one of the more benign things on an ingredients list — worth knowing, not worth worrying about.

Safer swaps

Choose less-processed products with short, recognisable ingredient lists.

Frequently asked questions

Is E1404 the same as Oxidised starch?
Yes — E1404 is the international additive (E-number) code for Oxidised starch.
Is Oxidised starch bad for you?
Digestoa rates Oxidised starch (E1404) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Oxidised starch?
Reported concerns include: Ultra-processing marker.
What foods contain Oxidised starch?
Sauces, soups, ready meals, desserts and many processed foods.
How can I avoid Oxidised starch?
Check the ingredients list for "Oxidised starch" or "E1404", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related modified starch additives

Dextrin (E1400)Distarch phosphate (E1412)Acetylated distarch phosphate (E1414)Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (E1442)Starch sodium octenyl succinate (E1450)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.