E1404 – Unicorn

E1404 Oxidized Starch is one of the most widely used modified starches in food processing applications requiring low viscosity, high transparency, and superior film-forming performance. In this article, Hùng Duy Starch provides an in-depth overview of E1404 Oxidized Starch, including its functional properties, key applications, and the reasons why it has become a preferred ingredient solution for manufacturers seeking consistent quality, processing efficiency, and international standards across diverse industries. 

1. What is E1404 Oxidized Starch?

E1404 Oxidized Starch is a modified starch produced from native starch sources such as cassava (tapioca), corn, or potato through a controlled oxidation process using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). This modification alters the starch’s molecular structure, enhancing its functional properties, including lower viscosity, higher clarity, improved stability, excellent film-forming capability, and rapid thickening performance.

These characteristics make E1404 Oxidized Starch an ideal solution for specialized industrial applications and modern manufacturing processes that require consistent product quality, efficient processing performance, and reliable functionality.

According to international classification systems, E1404 is the designated food additive code for Oxidized Starch under the European Union (EU) food additive framework. It corresponds to INS 1404 under the Codex Alimentarius standards established by FAO/WHO and is commonly referred to as Oxidized Starch (US English) or Oxidised Starch (British English).

2. Chemical Structure of E1404 Oxidized Starch

The oxidation process primarily modifies the hydroxyl (-OH) groups in native starch, generating carbonyl (C=O) and carboxyl (-COOH) functional groups while partially reducing the polymer chain length. These structural changes result in lower viscosity, higher clarity, improved film-forming properties, and better dispersion in aqueous systems.

As a result, E1404 Oxidized Starch provides effective thickening, stabilization, and texture enhancement, making it suitable for applications in confectionery, puddings, ice cream, sauces, soups, frozen foods, as well as paper and packaging industries.

3. Key Properties of E1404 Oxidized Starch

• White appearance, with whiteness varying depending on the degree of oxidation.
• Lower viscosity than native starch at the same concentration, allowing easier viscosity control during processing.
• High paste clarity, making it suitable for applications requiring transparency, such as gummy candies, clear sauces, and paper coating formulations.
• Excellent film-forming properties, enabling the formation of thin, uniform films for confectionery coatings and paper surface sizing.
• Helps maintain desirable texture and consistency while reducing syneresis, surface skin formation, and undesirable thickening during storage.
• Lower retrogradation tendency than native starch under certain storage conditions, supporting improved stability and extended shelf life in products such as canned sauces and processed foods.

4. Key Applications of E1404 Oxidized Starch

Thanks to its functional properties, E1404 Oxidized Starch is widely used across various industries, including:

• Confectionery (Primary Application): Provides clear, glossy coatings and improves the texture and appearance of gummies, jellies, and dessert products.
• Batters and Coatings: Its low viscosity enables the formation of thin, uniform coatings, helping achieve desirable crispness and potentially reducing oil uptake during frying.
• Sauces and Dressings: Delivers light thickening, improved clarity, and enhanced product consistency during storage.
• Paper and Packaging: Used in surface sizing applications to improve paper strength, surface smoothness, gloss, and printability.
• Other Industrial Applications: Suitable for textile sizing, pharmaceutical excipients, adhesives, binders, and various specialty industrial formulations.

5. Manufacturer & Supplier of E1404 Oxidized Starch

Hung Duy Starch is a leading manufacturer of modified tapioca starch in Vietnam, operating a modern production facility located in Tay Ninh Province, one of the country’s key cassava-growing regions. Supported by a stable raw material network in Vietnam and Cambodia, Hung Duy Starch ensures consistent quality, reliable supply, and year-round production capacity. 

With a production capacity of 250 metric tons per day, Hung Duy Starch manufactures a diverse portfolio of modified starches designed to meet demanding technical requirements across food and industrial applications. Products are produced under internationally recognized quality management systems, including FSSC 22000, ISO 22000:2018, HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, HALAL, and KOSHER certifications.

As one of the world’s leading exporters of tapioca starch products, Hung Duy Starch leverages more than 30 years of international trading experience and supplies customers across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Its modified starch products are exported directly to highly regulated markets, including the United States, Europe, Japan, and other quality-driven destinations. 

For widely used products such as E1404 Oxidized Starch, selecting a supplier with large-scale production capabilities, stable output, and flexible year-round supply is essential for optimizing procurement efficiency and minimizing long-term supply chain risks. 

Key Strengths of Hung Duy Starch in Modified Starch Manufacturing and Supply:

• Direct Manufacturing and Reliable Supply Capacity: Hung Duy Starch directly manufactures and supplies modified tapioca starch, with the capability to fulfill large-volume orders while maintaining stable year-round production. This enables the company to offer competitive pricing directly from the manufacturer.
• Large-Scale Warehousing Infrastructure: With a total finished goods storage capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons, Hung Duy Starch ensures stable year-round supply and minimizes disruptions caused by seasonal fluctuations or maintenance periods.
• Comprehensive Logistics Solutions: The company provides integrated domestic and international logistics services, supporting flexible Incoterms delivery terms, including FOB, CFR, CIF, and Door-to-Door. Professional documentation support is available, including CO, COA, QA/QC documentation, and product traceability records in accordance with international standards.
• Extensive Export Experience: With strong export capabilities and experience serving diverse international markets, Hung Duy Starch possesses in-depth knowledge of market-specific trade regulations, quarantine requirements, customs procedures, and compliance standards. This expertise helps optimize supply chains, reduce potential risks, and ensure timely delivery for customers.

Direct exports to highly regulated markets such as the United States, Europe, and Japan demonstrate Hung Duy Starch’s proven capabilities and competitiveness within the global starch supply chain.

Modified Tapioca Starch – Food Grade by Hung Duy Starch:

• E1404 – Oxidized Starch
• E1412 – Distarch Phosphate
• E1413 – Phosphated Distarch Phosphate
• E1414 – Acetylated Distarch Phosphate
• E1420 – Acetylated Starch
• E1422 – Acetylated Distarch Adipate
• E1450 – Sodium Starch Octenyl Succinate

Contact Hung Duy Starch’s Sales Department for technical consultation, product recommendations, and quotations for E1404 Oxidized Starch and other modified starch solutions tailored to your application requirements.

• Ms. Le Bao Uyen: (+84) 919 998 997 | Email: uyenle@hungduy.com
• Mr. Michael Yoong: (+84) 916 611 369  | Email: michael.yoong@hungduy.com