Maltodextrin Derived from Rice Starch Receives GRAS Status

In response to a petition filed by Zumbro, Inc., the FDA has affirmed that maltodextrin derived from rice starch is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a direct food ingredient.

Based on data in the petition, along with its own information, FDA has concluded that rice starch is chemically equivalent to corn starch or potato starch. Additionally, the hydrolysis products made from these starch sources, including maltodextrins, are essentially equivalent. Thus, maltodextrin derived from rice starch is equivalent in all material respects to maltodextrin derived from corn or potato starch, both of which have been affirmed as GRAS.

Zumbro uses maltodextrins in a wide range of processed and convenience foods, principally as a filler or carrier for flavorings and intensive sweeteners and as a sweetness reducer or texture modifier.

Edited by Pam Ahlberg