Europe
Titanium dioxide (E 171) is currently authorized as a food additive in the EU according to Annex II of Regulation 1333/2008.
EFSA has updated its safety assessment of the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171), following a request by the European Commission.
The conclusion of the opinion is: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. A critical element in reaching this conclusion is that we could not exclude genotoxicity concerns after consumption of titanium dioxide particles. After oral ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body”.
The assessment was conducted following a rigorous methodology and taking into consideration many thousands of studies that have become available since EFSA’s previous assessment in 2016, including new scientific evidence and data on nanoparticles.
In their role as risk managers, the European Commission and Member States will now reflect on EFSA’s scientific advice and decide upon any appropriate regulatory measures or advice for consumers.
Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu