What is titanium dioxide and why is it banned in the European Union?

Titanium dioxide is a very common additive in processed foods and all kinds of products. The European Union has banned its use in food after a report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that warned of its possible health risks.

What is titanium dioxide or E171?

He titanium dioxide is an additive that also receives the names E171 (in feeding), CI 77891 (in cosmetics), PW6 (either Pigment White 6) either white titanium.

It is used in powdered form as food coloring to give a glossy, opaque white to food and make it more attractive. It has no nutritional valueso it is totally expendable.

It has other properties like ultraviolet ray absorptionthe chemical resistance or the ability to resist high temperatures, andIt is also used in cosmetic products, plastics, paints or medicines.

What consequences does E171 have for health?

E171 has been under the spotlight for a long time and various studies have pointed out its health hazards since the nanoparticles that make up this additive can penetrate the protective barriers of the human body.

The EFSA, the agency that advises on the risks associated with the food chain to the European Union, issued a report in May 2021 in which it warned that the use as a food additive of E171not considered safe.

In previous evaluations they had not found side effects linked to the use of titanium dioxidebut for this new report the 2018 EFSA Scientific Committee Guidance on nanotechnology for assessing the safety of food additives was applied for the first time.

E171 contains no more than 50% of the nanometer-sized particles (ie less than 100 nanometers) that consumers may be exposed to.

Specifically, EFSA considers that, in light of current scientific evidence, genotoxicity cannot be ruled out (that is, the ability of this substance to damage the DNA of cells) after the consumption of titanium dioxide particles. This DNA damage could lead to development of cancer.

“After ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, but can accumulate in the body”, they point out from EFSA.

Due to these potential health hazards, there is no recommended minimum daily intake that can be considered safe.

The E171, banned in the European Union

Following the EFSA report, the European Union (EU) decided ban its use as a food additive in the 27 member states, with a transition period of six months so that producers can reformulate their products that ends on August 7, 2022.

For its part, France already banned its use in 2020 after several alerts about its possible carcinogenic effects of the French Agency for Food, Environment and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES).

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also considers it “possibly carcinogenic”, based on studies in mice indicating an increased likelihood of lung cancer after inhalation.

What products is titanium dioxide used in?

Titanium dioxide in food

E171 dye is used in processed products bakery, in soups, broths, sauces, savory pasta spreads for sandwiches.

It is also very common in foods aimed at children such as candies, chocolates, cookies or chewing gum.

According to EFSA, the processed nuts They are also one of the main categories of foods that contain this dye.

Titanium dioxide in cosmetics

The EFSA safety assessment of titanium dioxide only refers to its use as a food additive. However, cosmetic products such as Sunscreens (since it absorbs ultraviolet light and protects the skin from UV rays), makeup powder either creams.

According to the IARC, “there is conflicting evidence as to whether titanium dioxide nanoparticles can pass through the skin. If they can, the presence of titanium dioxide in a wide variety of cosmetic powders and creams may be cause for concern”.

It is also present in some toothpasteswhere it is of particular concern because it can be easily ingested.

It is also used in medicines (in the layer that covers the pills), in inks, plastics (for example, on furniture or items resistant to the effects of sunlight), paintings either ceramic glazes.