Food Additives Encyclopedia

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titanium dioxide ​

Basic Information ​

FieldContent
Chinese nametitanium dioxide
English nametitanium dioxide
INS/E numberINS 171
Functional classColour
Year adopted1969
Approved byAustralia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA)

What is it? ​

Titanium dioxide (INS 171, E 171) is a white inorganic pigment with strong opacity and chemical inertness, widely used as a white food colour and in confectionery coatings; EFSA withdrew its ADI in 2021 and the EU banned it as a food additive from 2022.

Source ​

Industrial：矿物提纯、氯化/硫酸法、煅烧制得食品级二氧化钛，控制粒径与纯度

Why is it used? ​

  • Provides high-opacity white colouring
  • Used in confectionery coatings and icing
  • Brightens sauces and dairy
  • Improves appearance of gum and decorations
  • Processing aid (e.g. clarification)

Common Foods ​

  • Confectionery and coatings
  • Chewing gum
  • Sauces
  • Dairy desserts
  • Bakery decorations

Safety ​

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：ADI withdrawn by EFSA (2021); historically JECFA 0-5 mg/kg bw

Concerns：

  • EFSA 撤销 ADI（基因毒性担忧）
  • 欧盟已禁止作为食品添加剂
  • 纳米颗粒安全性争议
  • 部分法域仍允许使用

Usage Standard ​

China：GB 2760（二氧化钛，现行允许）

International：

  • EU Regulation 1333/2008 (E 171) 但 (EU) 2022/63 自 2022-08 起禁止作为食品添加剂
  • FDA 21 CFR 73.575 (TiO2, 限制 ≤1% 于食品)
  • Codex GSFA (INS 171)
  • FSANZ Food Standards Code (Titanium dioxide, 171)
  • 部分国家仍允许使用

In a nutshell ​

Titanium dioxide is a high-opacity white colour now banned in the EU and with a withdrawn ADI, reflecting regional divergence.

Consumer Advice ​

Titanium dioxide is a white mineral pigment once widely used to whiten sweets, cake decorations and sauces. It remains approved in China and the United States, but the European Union banned it as a food additive (E171) in 2022 over genotoxicity concerns. Because regulators disagree, consumers who wish to avoid it should check ingredient labels for titanium dioxide.

Dietary Restrictions ​

  • Vegan: ✅
  • Halal: ✅
  • Kosher: ✅

Allergens ​

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer ​

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.