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

  The single word "starch" on a food label in the USA and Canada is
considered the common or usual name for starch made from corn ie.
cornstarch.This is from the  US Code of Federal Regulations Sec 578.100
Starches and Canadian Food and Drug Regulations B.13.011[S]. Starches
made from other sources should be designated by the plant name ie.
tapioca starch, wheat starch, etc.

There are regulations for how food starches may be modified. However,
there are no specific regulations for identification of the name of the
"modified food starch" in the US or Canada. "Modified food starch" can
mean starch made from corn, tapioca, potato, wheat or other starches. In
North America, corn is almost always used by companies for their
modified food starch. Potato, tapioca or rice can be used sometimes. If
you want to be 100% sure you need to check with the company to determine
the source of the modified starch.

Shelley Case, B. Sc., RD
Case Nutrition Consulting, www.glutenfreediet.ca
<http://www.glutenfreediet.ca>
Author: Gluten Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide
Co-Author: Celiac Section, Manual of Clinical Dietetics, American
Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada
Medical Advisory Board: Celiac Disease Foundation, Gluten Intolerance
Group, Canadian Celiac Association
Dietitian Advisory Board: Gluten-Free Living Magazine
EMail: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Phone: (306) 536-7716     Fax: (306) 751-1000

* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *