Learn Glossary solvent processing aid

Epichlorohydrin

Level 4Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Epichlorohydrin is a solvent processing aid — Modifier for food starches

What it does

Modifier for food starches

Where you'll see it

Modified food starch

What the research says

Strong skin irritant and sensitizer. Two-year study of exposed workers showed increase in cancer incidence. Chronic exposure causes kidney damage in humans.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: NIL
  • Notes: Germany regulates as known carcinogen; FDA tolerance <0.3% in starch

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Germany regulates it as a known carcinogen