European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Continues Research on the Safety of Titanium Dioxide
2016-09-20 08:16:59
EFSA has said white food colouring titanium dioxide poses no health concerns despite data gaps, but campaigners have raised doubts over the safety of nanoparticles.
Titanium dioxide has been under the spotlight due to safety questions over the use of nanosized particles in the food industry. Food-grade titanium dioxide is not considered a nanomaterial under the current European Commission Recommendation, but there is much disagreement around this definition.
EFSA is hoping to have an updated definition by the fall 2016. Meanwhile, French environmental NGO, Agir pour l’Environnement found titanium dioxide nanoparticles in some products during their research and has launched a petition calling for the French government to prohibit the use of nanomaterials in food products. Its petition has so far attracted over 23,500 signatures.
Across waters, the USDA has been seeing similar controversy surrounding the use of titanium dioxide. It’s actually what caused Dunkin’ Brands to remove titanium dioxide from their infamous powdered donuts back in 2015.
Sensient continues to innovate in the area of white opacifying agents and coating systems to add alternatives to this limited market and help customers meet consumer demand for cleaner labels.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Continues Research on the Safety of Titanium Dioxide
