Arsenic (As2O3) can also be present in starch due to contamination from the environment or during processing. Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal that can be harmful to human health if consumed in high amounts over a long period of time. Therefore, it is important to monitor the levels of arsenic in starch to ensure that they are within safe limits.
Regulatory agencies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have set limits on the amount of arsenic that can be present in food products, including starch. The maximum allowable limit for total arsenic in food products is 0.1 parts per million (ppm) according to the FDA.
Starch manufacturers may also implement their own quality control measures to ensure that their products meet regulatory requirements and are safe for consumption. This may include testing for arsenic contamination, among other parameters.