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E1451Modified starchLow concern
Acetylated Oxidized Starch
In plain words
The short version
A dual-modified starch — combines oxidation (lower viscosity) with acetylation (freeze-thaw stability).
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe. Treated as a food carbohydrate; modifying reagent residues are limited by regulation.
The detail
Manufactured by sequentially oxidizing native starch with sodium hypochlorite then acetylating the result with acetic anhydride. The oxidation step shortens starch chains (lowers viscosity); the acetylation step adds freeze-thaw stability.
Used in dairy desserts and instant puddings, where the dual modification delivers low viscosity, good clarity, and reliable freeze-thaw and acid stability. In the EU it is not listed for infant formula; among foods for infants and young children it is allowed only in processed cereal-based foods and baby foods. Less common than the simpler E1404 oxidized starch or E1420 acetylated starch.
Off-white powder. Low-viscosity, clear-gelling, freeze-thaw stable. Stable in storage.
In the EU it is permitted at quantum satis in many foods. In foods for infants and young children it is allowed only in processed cereal-based foods and baby foods, at up to 50 000 mg/kg.
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel: Re-evaluation of oxidised starch (E 1404) … acetylated oxidised starch (E 1451) … as food additives (EFSA Journal 2017;15(10):4911, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4911), PMC full text — European Food Safety Authority, 2017. No safety concern; no need for numerical ADI
- JECFA database: Acetylated oxidized starch (INS 1451) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, 2016. JECFA ADI 'not specified'
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, consolidated text of 18.08.2026: E 1451 conditions of use — EUR-Lex, 2026. EU limit in foods for infants: only cereal-based/baby foods at 50 000 mg/kg
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.