<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

The USA Code of Federal Regulations(CFR) for states: The single word
"starch" on a food label is considered to be the common or usual name
for starch made from corn. Starches made from other sources should be
designated by some non-misleading term that indicates the source of the
starch, for example, "potato starch", "wheat starch" or "tapioca starch"
(CFR Sec 578.100 Starches). The Canadian Food and Drug Regulations(FDR)
state that starches are required to be identified by the plant source on
the food label except cornstarch, which can be called "cornstarch" or
just "starch".

The USA CFR and Canadian FDR have regulations for how food starches may
be modified. However, there are no regulations that require
the source of the starch to be identified. Most modified food starches
in North America are made from corn, with potato, tapioca and rice used
occasionally. It is important to contact the company to confirm the
source of the modified food starch.

It is encouraging to see that many companies in Canada and the USA are
voluntarily declaring the source of the components of many ingredients
due to the allergen awareness programs developed by Health Canada and
the Food and Drug Administration in the USA. They strongly recommend
that companies declare components if the contain the top 8 allergens
which include peanut, tree nut, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy and
WHEAT. Canada also recommends that gluten sources and sulphites be
declared in addition to the above 8 allergens. Although it is not
mandatory, many of the companies are finally beginning to realize that
consumers need this information and do not want any law suits.  So keep
up those calls and letters to the companies - it can make a difference!

Shelley Case, B. Sc. RD
Consulting Dietitian, Case Nutrition Consulting
Author: Gluten Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide
www.glutenfreediet.ca
<http://www.glutenfreediet.ca> EMail: [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>