E1421 · Thickeners
Starch acetate
A safe modified plant starch.
- Category
- Thickeners
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Starch acetate is plant starch acetylated using vinyl acetate rather than acetic anhydride.
How it is used in food
Same stabilising effect as E1420, reached by a different route.
Commonly found in- Sauces
- Dairy desserts
- Bakery fillings
Health and safety
None known at the residue levels permitted; the acetyl groups are released as acetate in digestion.
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
- E1421
Worth knowing
Acetate is one of the commonest small molecules in your own metabolism.
Conclusion
A safe modified plant starch.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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