Market
Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (Codex INS 1442) is a modified starch used in the United States as a functional ingredient (thickener/stabilizer/emulsifier) in processed foods. In U.S. regulation it is captured under FDA’s “food starch-modified” framework (21 CFR 172.892), which specifies permitted modification treatments and certain residual limitations. The U.S. is a large domestic consumption and processing market for modified starch ingredients, supported by an established corn wet-milling industry that produces starch products including modified starches. For imported lots, FDA Prior Notice and FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) obligations are key compliance gates that can delay or block entry if missed.
Market RoleLarge domestic consumer and processor market with significant domestic production; imports supplement supply
Domestic RoleFunctional starch ingredient used by U.S. food manufacturers to improve texture and stability in processed foods
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with FDA’s “food starch-modified” conditions (e.g., use of unpermitted modification treatments, failure to meet applicable limitations/residual constraints, or improper designation of the ingredient where required) can trigger FDA enforcement actions and disrupt market access in the United States.Confirm the product’s manufacturing route aligns with 21 CFR 172.892 allowances/limitations; maintain documented specifications and compliance evidence; apply correct ingredient naming and allergen disclosure where applicable.
Documentation Gap MediumFor imported shipments, inadequate or untimely FDA Prior Notice can lead to refusal/hold at the port of entry and immediate supply disruption.Implement a pre-shipment checklist and submit Prior Notice through PNSI/CBP systems with correct product identity and manufacturer/facility details.
Importer Compliance MediumFSVP non-compliance (e.g., missing hazard analysis, supplier approval/verification, or incomplete records) can trigger regulatory action and interrupt imports of food additives/ingredients into the U.S.Operate a documented, risk-based FSVP program per supplier and product; retain records and periodically reassess hazards and supplier performance.
Allergen Labeling MediumIf the starch source includes wheat, failure to properly declare wheat as a major allergen can create misbranding and recall risk in the U.S. market.Maintain verified starch source documentation and ensure labels disclose wheat when applicable (ingredient list parenthetical or a Contains statement).
FAQ
How should hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate typically appear on U.S. ingredient labels?FDA compliance policy guidance indicates that the name “food starch-modified” should be used to designate this additive in ingredient labeling where applicable under 21 CFR 172.892. If the starch source is wheat, FDA’s allergen labeling rules require that wheat be disclosed (for example, in a Contains statement or in parentheses after the ingredient).
What are the key U.S. import compliance steps for this food additive?For imported shipments, FDA generally requires Prior Notice before the food arrives, and importers covered by FSMA must have an FSVP in place to verify that the foreign supplier produces the food with appropriate public-health protections and that it is not adulterated or misbranded (including with respect to allergen labeling). Missing or inaccurate Prior Notice can result in refusal/hold at the port of entry.
What is the Codex INS number and what is it used for?Codex lists hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate as INS 1442 and classifies it as a functional additive (e.g., thickener/stabilizer/emulsifier) with GSFA provisions in specified food categories. WHO’s JECFA database provides the additive’s evaluation/specification references used by many buyers for international alignment.