Distarch glycerol
Not authorised in EU, but permitted in AU-NZ and US. No evidence of harm at dietary intake.
- Category
- Thickeners
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Distarch glycerol is a cross-linked starch that is not on the EU list of authorised food additives.
How it is used in food
Cross-linking makes starch hold its thickness through stirring and heat.
Commonly found in- Commercial sauces and gravies
- Batters and breadings
- Frozen desserts
Health and safety
No known risks at typical dietary levels.
This code is not on the EU list of authorised food additives, so it has never been through an EU safety evaluation and no acceptable intake exists for it. The concern is the missing evaluation rather than a demonstrated harm.
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
- E1411
Worth knowing
Seeing this number on a label usually means the product was formulated for a market outside the EU.
Conclusion
An unauthorized, potentially toxic modified starch.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-05.
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