New EFSA Assessment: Titanium Dioxide No Longer Safe as a Food Additive

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May 19, 2021 - Foods

New EFSA Assessment: Titanium Dioxide No Longer Safe as a Food Additive

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an opinion on 06.05.2021 concluding that the food additive titanium dioxide is not safe (to the opinion). The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) reached comparable conclusions in a preliminary assessment.

Titanium dioxide can be absorbed through the digestive tract, skin, and respiratory tract and accumulate in the body. The EFSA could not rule out negative effects on human genetic material and potential cancer risks. Therefore, they advised against using titanium dioxide in foods. Taking into consideration all available scientific studies and data, the panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive.

In France, titanium dioxide has not been allowed as a food additive since 2020. In the interest of the precautionary principle, the EU Commission now intends to withdraw the EU-wide authorization for titanium dioxide. With this proposal, the Commission is following a recommendation from the EFSA.

The additive titanium dioxide - also known as E 171 - can be found in chewing gum, candies, baked goods, soups, and salad dressings.

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Sources:

https://www.bmel.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/EN/2021/081-titanium-dioxide.html

https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6585