In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an opinion that stated that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe when used as a food additive.
≤0.4
Porcelain White, 32 per cent sulphide, 68 per cent barium sulphate.
Scattering Power of TiO2 and Pigment Volume Concentration
We’re most often exposed to E171 through the foods we ingest. We find E171 in many food products, like popsicles, ice cream, gum, and more. Another way we ingest E171 is through pharmaceutical drugs. Many pills and capsules contain E171 as an inactive ingredient.
Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability within the automotive industry influences the demand for environmentally friendly tire production methods. TiO2, being a non-toxic and eco-friendly compound, aligns with these sustainability goals, making it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
The uses and applications of Titanium Dioxide may vary according to its specification. The main forms of Titanium Dioxide are dependent on particle sizes, surface treatment, and crystalline forms.
In 2022, a year after the EFSA recommended against the use of E171, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted its own reassessment of titanium dioxide as a food additive. The agency concluded that titanium dioxide was indeed safe to use as a food additive. The United Kingdom and Canada came to similar conclusions.