Cornstarch, a common household product, often raises questions regarding its safety, particularly concerning a potential link to cancer. This article provides clear, evidence-based information to clarify the scientific understanding of cornstarch’s safety.
Understanding Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a fine, white powder derived from the endosperm of corn kernels. Its production involves a wet milling process where corn kernels are steeped, then ground to separate the starch, which is then purified and dried.
This versatile carbohydrate is widely utilized in various applications. In the culinary world, cornstarch serves as an effective thickening agent for sauces, gravies, soups, and pie fillings, and it also enhances the texture of baked goods. Beyond food, it is found in cosmetics, such as baby powder, and has industrial uses as an anti-sticking agent or in paper products.
Why the Cancer Question Arises
The question about cornstarch and cancer primarily arises from its historical association with talcum powder. Talc, a mineral, has been linked to certain cancers, including ovarian cancer, especially with perineal application. This concern was largely due to past contamination of some talc products with asbestos, a known carcinogen, found naturally near talc deposits.
Public awareness of asbestos-contaminated talc led to apprehension about body powders. This concern mistakenly extended to cornstarch because it is also used in products like baby powder. However, cornstarch is fundamentally different from talc; it is plant-derived, not a mineral, and is naturally asbestos-free.
Scientific Standpoint on Safety
Current scientific evidence indicates no credible link between pure cornstarch and cancer in humans when used as intended. Major health organizations and scientific bodies support this understanding. For example, a 2000 review in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that cornstarch was not predicted to be a risk factor for ovarian cancer.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, composed of independent experts, has evaluated corn-derived ingredients and found no safety concerns for their use in cosmetics. Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally recognizes cornstarch as safe for its intended food uses. While some research on dietary carbohydrates and colorectal cancer in rats did not show an effect from cornstarch, this specific study focused on dietary intake, not topical application.
Important Distinctions and Safety Assurance
Cornstarch particles are larger than talc, which may reduce certain inhalation risks. Pure cornstarch is widely considered safe for consumption as a food ingredient and for topical application. While inhaling large quantities of any fine powder, including cornstarch, could potentially cause respiratory irritation, this is a general caution for airborne particles and not an indication of carcinogenicity. Overall, scientific consensus supports the safety of cornstarch in its common uses.