Titanium dioxide (E171) no longer considered safe as an additive
EFSA has reassessed titanium dioxide (E 171), a revision of the outcome of the 2016 assessment, which indicated that further research was necessary.
Pascal Brysse
Safety assessment of titanium dioxide
In the new assessment, the panel on food additives and flavourings concluded that, although the gastrointestinal absorption of TiO2 nanoparticles is low, the particles can accumulate in the body. Studies on general toxicity and organ toxicity did not indicate adverse effects, but regarding genotoxicity, the panel concluded that these particles can cause DNA strand breaks and chromosomal damage. The risk of genotoxicity from nanoparticles potentially present in TiO2 could therefore not be excluded. Based on all available evidence, the concern regarding genotoxicity cannot be excluded.
Given the many uncertainties, the panel concluded that E 171 could no longer be considered safe for use as a food additive. Titanium dioxide (E 171) has been effectively banned as a food additive in the European Union since 7 August 2022 (Regulation (EU) 2022/63). Products containing this additive may no longer be produced or placed on the market since then. Our product development and labelling team can support you in finding a worthy replacement.
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