E171 Titanium Dioxide: Uses, Risks and EU Ban
E171 is the EU food additive code for titanium dioxide, a white pigment used in foods, medicines and cosmetics. It has been banned as a food additive in the EU since August 2022.
Things worth knowing about "E171"
E171 is the EU food additive code for titanium dioxide, a white pigment used in foods, medicines and cosmetics. It has been banned as a food additive in the EU since August 2022.
What is E171?
E171 is the European designation for titanium dioxide (chemical formula: TiO2) as a food additive. It is a white, odourless pigment that was used to colour and whiten foods such as confectionery, chewing gum, sauces, and baked goods, as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is technically processed into fine particles for industrial use.
Uses and Occurrence
E171 was used in a wide range of products, including:
- Confectionery and chewing gum (e.g., to whiten sugar coatings)
- Baked goods and desserts
- Sauces and dressings
- Medicines (as a coating agent on tablets and capsules)
- Cosmetics and sunscreens
The additive served purely aesthetic purposes and had no nutritional value.
Health Concerns and Nanoparticles
A major health concern related to E171 is that a significant proportion of titanium dioxide particles fall within the nanoscale range (below 100 nanometres). Nanoparticles can cross biological barriers in the body more easily than larger particles. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2021, following a comprehensive safety assessment, that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. Key concerns included:
- Potential genotoxic properties (i.e., possible damage to genetic material)
- Accumulation of particles in intestinal tissue
- Inflammatory reactions in the digestive tract
- Uncertainty regarding long-term effects in humans
Regulatory Status in the EU
Based on the EFSA assessment, the European Commission banned E171 as a food additive in the EU as of 7 August 2022. Foods containing titanium dioxide could no longer be placed on the market after this date, though existing stock could be sold until the expiry date. Outside the EU, such as in the United States, E171 remains permitted in foods.
E171 in Medicines and Cosmetics
In medicines, titanium dioxide is used as a coating agent for tablets and capsules. The EU food additive ban does not directly apply to medicines; the safety of titanium dioxide in pharmaceutical products is assessed separately by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In sunscreens and cosmetics, titanium dioxide is widely used because it reflects UV radiation. Its safety in topical applications is evaluated separately by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
Recommendations for Consumers
Consumers who wish to avoid E171 in food products should carefully check ingredient labels, particularly on imported goods from countries outside the EU. In tablet coatings and cosmetic products, the substance may still be present. Anyone with health concerns is advised to speak with their doctor or pharmacist about potential alternatives.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of titanium dioxide (E 171) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 2021;19(5):6585. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6585
- European Commission: Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 of 14 January 2022 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as regards the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171).
- Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS): Opinion on Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) used in cosmetic products, SCCS/1617/20, 2021.
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