≤12

≥28.0

Titanium dioxide is used in an enormous range of food products, which can feel jarring when looking at some of its other uses.

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.

Titanium dioxide particles help light scatter and reflect, Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a medical toxicology physician at the National Capital Poison Center, told Health. Because of that, we often use it as a whitening agent.

It's all over the place in our environment, said Dr. Johnson-Arbor.

Reason for listing: CNNC Huayuan Titanium Dioxide Co., Ltd., a well-known brand of titanium dioxide factory, started in 1989, specializing in the research and development, production, sales and service of titanium dioxide products. One of the titanium dioxide enterprises producing more than 10,000 tons.

“Unlike some other chemicals used in food, titanium dioxide has no nutritive, preservative, or food safety function—its use is purely cosmetic,” said CSPI principal scientist for additives and supplements, Thomas Galligan. “The prospect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles damaging DNA is concerning enough for us to recommend consumers avoid foods that have it.”