Heavy metals such as lead (Pb) can be present in starch due to contamination during production or processing. These metals can be harmful to human health if they are present in high concentrations. Therefore, it is important to monitor the levels of heavy metals 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 lead and other heavy metals that can be present in food products, including starch. The maximum allowable limit for lead in food products is 2 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 heavy metal contamination, among other parameters.