Ci 77891
EFSA concluded in 2021 that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive due to genotoxicity concerns from nanoparticles. The EU banned E171 in food effective August 2022.
What it is
Titanium dioxide (TiO2), a white pigment also designated CI 77891 (cosmetics) and E171 (food).
White colorant/opacifier in foods, candy coatings, gum, and supplements.
Why it's flagged
- genotoxicity (EFSA 2021)
- nanoparticle accumulation
- EU food ban
What regulators actually say
"Titanium dioxide is no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. EFSA's experts could not exclude genotoxicity concerns after consumption of titanium dioxide particles."
"Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as regards the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as color additive (21 CFR 73.575) in U.S. food
European Union — EFSA
No longer considered safe (EFSA 2021); banned in EU food from Aug 2022
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