The most significant uncertainty identified by the EU experts was the concern that TiO2 particles may have genotoxic effects. Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a chemical to directly damage genetic material within a cell (DNA), which may lead to cancer in certain situations. Although the experts did not conclude that TiO2 particles in E171 are genotoxic, they could not rule out the concern that they might be.



For that reason, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has graded titanium dioxide as a food additive that consumers should seek to “avoid.” Scientists at the nonprofit nutrition and food safety watchdog group today published a new entry for titanium dioxide in its Chemical Cuisine database of food additives.
Titanium dioxide can boost and brighten colors because of how well it absorbs and also scatters light. In food and drugs, this additive is known as E171 and helps define colors clearly and can prevent degradation (cracking and breakdown of materials) from exposure to sunlight.



States looking to ban titanium dioxide as a food additive
Overall, the Food Directorate's comprehensive review of the available science of TiO2 as a food additive showed:
Like all our products and ingredients, the titanium dioxide we use meets the highest standards for quality and safety, respecting all applicable laws and regulations as well as meeting our own safety assessments. Our scientists continue to review the latest scientific data and is confident that the titanium dioxide used in our products is safe.
In January 2022, the average price of domestic titanium dioxide in local Chinese marketplaces was 20,735 RMB/MT. Traders were more careful in purchasing goods and downstream industries purchased things on demand. As a result, the overall market demand for titanium dioxide was general.
Titanium dioxide is a widely used substance in various industries due to its versatility and unique properties. As a result, there are numerous manufacturers of titanium dioxide around the world, catering to the different needs of their customers.
For research published in 2022 study in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, scientists examined “the genotoxicity and the intracellular reactive oxygen species induction by physiologically relevant concentrations of three different TiO2 nanomaterials in Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12 intestinal cells, while considering the potential influence of the digestion process in the NMs’ physiochemical characteristics.” They found a “DNA-damaging effect dependent on the nanomaterial,” along with the micronucleus assay suggesting “effects on chromosomal integrity, an indicator of cancer risk, in the HT29-MTX-E12 cells, for all the tested TiO2 nanomaterials.” Researchers concluded that the results showcase “evidence of concern” regarding titanium dioxide used as a food additive.
Titanium Dioxide/TiO2/Titanium Oxide Free Sample
Partial substitution of titanium dioxide in liquid paints
Oil absorption, g/ 100g
The calcined product obtained by the ordinary zinc-barium white preparation method is beaten into a slurry, which is then surface-treated with sodium silicate, aluminum sulfate or sodium aluminate and surfactant, and then filtered, washed, dried and pulverized. Can.
The committee could not finalize the assessment of some other flavoring agents, requiring further information. JECFA highlighted the importance of receiving complete data submissions from the sponsors for conducting the safety evaluation.
Titanium dioxide is predominantly used as a pigment in products such as paints, coatings, plastics, food, cosmetics, and paper. The ability of TiO2 to scatter light and provide a white color makes it an essential ingredient in achieving high-quality finishes in these applications. However, the production of titanium dioxide can be complex and costly, given that it involves raw materials such as ilmenite and rutile, as well as advanced processing technologies. Manufacturers are continuously striving to optimize costs without compromising quality, making the search for affordable suppliers a top priority for many businesses.