The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) inconclusively evaluated titanium dioxide, E171, as a food additive citing more research was needed to determine its safe usage.
The European Commission requests EFSA to re-evaluate Titanium Dioxide.
“Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the [European Food Safety Authority] panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive.”
The European Commission banned titanium dioxide, E171, as a food additive beginning with a six-month phase out period in February 2022-August 2022. After August 2022, a full ban on titanium dioxide in food and animal feed applies.
An excerpt from U.S. Senate Bill S.4316:
(f) First Substances Subject To Reassessment. The first 10 substances or classes of substances by the Secretary under subsection (b) shall be the following:
“(1) Perfluoroalkyl substances & polyfluoroalkyl substances
“(2) Ortho-phthalatess
“(3) The class of bisphenols
“(4) Titanium dioxide
“(5) Potassium bromate
“(6) Perchlorate
“(7) Butylated hydroxyanisole
“(8) Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
“(9) Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)
“(10) Propyl paraben
The usage of the widely popular whitening color, titanium dioxide, has subsided due to ongoing controversy, especially in the last few years.
The controversy certainly places manufacturers in a tough position today, despite the FDA and Health Canada’s continued safety issuance of titanium dioxide. Unfortunately, the media seems to be escalating the topic into consumer’s everyday news feeds and channels. Big time newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, etc., as well as major cable news outlets like Fox and CNN have also been reporting on the titanium dioxide contention.
– The use of the high-performing, cost-effective titanium dioxide color solution is fully compliant per FDA and Health Canada’s rulings.
– The desire to substitute titanium dioxide with alternative market options like solutions from Sensient’s Avalanche™ portfolio.
Sensient’s color experts can give personalized, real-time guidance on Avalanche™ solutions using our VIVID™ Platform for Virtual Interactive Visualization & Ingredient Development.
