Are Thickeners Made from Food Starch, Modified Food Starch, and Maltodextrin Considered Chametz?

My elderly parents have a number of products that contain a thickener, which makes swallowing the product easier. These thickeners are usually identified in the ingredient panel as either “food starch,” “modified food starch” or “maltodextrin.” Are these ingredients chametz?

Food starch, modified food starch, and maltodextrin, when sourced in the United States, are generally from corn (kitniyot). Kitniyot is permitted for the infirm and elderly who need it, (see Mishnah Berurah 453:7). If the product is “non-GMO” or is imported from Europe these ingredients are very likely chametz.

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt”l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.