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Sweets_with_titanium_dioxide_-_Food_Labelling_Services

Titanium dioxide: EFSA says E171 ‘no longer considered safe’

Titanium dioxide, or E171, is a whitening and brightening agent widely used in the UK, including in broths and sauces for infants. For adults, processed nuts are a “main contributory category” to consumption of the additive, while the product is also used in cosmetic products, suncream and paints.

The agent’s use as a food additive has been controversial over the years, with France introducing a ban in 2019 after a study suggested a link to cancer. The EU is preparing to propose a ban on its use across the bloc.

You can read the full article HERE

Food Labelling Services comments:

The Food Standards Agency, who since Brexit have regulated the UK's safety of food products data, have said that: “The opinion issued  by the European Food Safety Authority on the safety of titanium dioxide as a food additive will be scrutinised by the independent scientific advisory committees that advise the FSA, alongside existing scientific evidence. This review will help decide what next steps are needed to safeguard consumers and will inform future policy". Therefore as yet, there is no ban in the UK. However, with the ingredient being banned across Europe, the useage will decline, and we expect that the UK will follow Europes lead.

The main concern is the use of nanoparticles in Titanium Dioxide which may lead to genotoxicity which in turn may be carcinogenic.