Safety grading RED – UNSAFE
Safety grade: RED (banned in the EU). Titanium dioxide (E171) was widely used as a white colourant/opacifier in foods until a 2021 re‑evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive because genotoxicity (DNA damage) could not be ruled out for the particle sizes present in E171, including nanoparticles. In response, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2022/63 on 14 January 2022, withdrawing the authorisation of E171 in foods across the EU (with a six‑month phase‑out). This decision reflects a precautionary approach given uncertainties about particle persistence and long‑term accumulation after ingestion.
EFSA highlighted that although oral absorption is low, titanium dioxide particles may accumulate in tissues and that a safe level of daily intake could not be established with current data. Taken together with the availability of alternative whiteners, many regulators and manufacturers have moved away from E171. Outside the EU, notably in the United States, E171 remains authorised under specific conditions, which is why despite the EU ban global regulatory status is mixed. Given the EU ban and the underlying safety concerns, E171 is graded RED – UNSAFE on this site.
Should You Avoid E171?
Yes. Within the EU, foods should not contain E171 at all. In markets where it is still authorised (e.g., the US), consumers may encounter it in confectionery, chewing gum, bakery icings, sauces and some supplements. It adds no nutritional value, and credible concerns remain about genotoxicity and particle accumulation – so avoiding products that list titanium dioxide is a reasonable precaution.
Common Uses
- Confectionery: candies, chewing gum, chocolate dragees (for bright white/pastel shades).
- Bakery & desserts: frostings, icings, fillings, powdered mixes.
- Dairy & non‑dairy: coffee creamers, ice creams, yogurts.
- Savoury products: sauces, salad dressings, processed cheeses.
- Food supplements & pharmaceutical coatings (whitening/opacity agent).
Common names / Synonyms
- Titanium dioxide; TiO2
- CI 77891; Pigment White 6
- Food white; Opacifier
- Anatase / Rutile forms
What is it?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an inorganic white pigment prized for its brightness and very high refractive index, which scatters light and makes foods appear whiter and more opaque. In food applications it served purely a technological/visual function as a colour (white) and opacifier. Commercial E171 historically contained particles spanning micro‑ and nanoscale (<100 nm). The fraction of very small particles, surface coatings, and crystalline form (anatase vs rutile) all influence behaviour in the gut and tissues.
Manufacture begins with titanium‑bearing ores (ilmenite or natural rutile). The ore is purified via sulfate or chloride routes to produce high‑purity TiO2, which is milled to achieve the desired particle‑size distribution and sometimes surface‑treated to improve dispersion and reduce photoactivity. Toxicological assessments have examined whether chronic ingestion could lead to DNA damage (genotoxicity) directly or indirectly (e.g., via oxidative stress), and whether small particles persist and accumulate in tissues. In 2021 EFSA re‑evaluated the entire evidence base (including new studies and better particle characterisation) and concluded that a safe daily intake could not be established – hence E171 could no longer be considered safe for use in food.
Where it’s allowed (EU vs US)
EU: Authorisation withdrawn by Regulation (EU) 2022/63 (entered into force January 2022; six‑month phase‑out). E171 is no longer permitted in foods placed on the EU market.
US: Still permitted as a colour additive in foods under 21 CFR 73.575, provided the quantity does not exceed 1% by weight of the finished food and purity specifications are met.