Bleached starch
A safe modified plant starch.
- Category
- Thickeners
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Bleached starch is plant starch treated to remove the trace pigment that would otherwise tint a pale product.
How it is used in food
Gives a clean white starch, which matters in pale sauces and icings.
Commonly found in- White sauces
- Dairy desserts
- Icings and fillings
Health and safety
None known. Bleaching removes colour specks; it does not change how the starch is digested.
EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation of the modified starches found no safety concern at the reported use levels and set no numerical ADI — they are handled as food ingredients rather than as toxicological hazards.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E1403
Worth knowing
The only thing bleaching changes is appearance — the starch behaves in the pan exactly as it did before.
Conclusion
A safe modified plant starch.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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