Titanium dioxide
Learn what Titanium dioxide (E171) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Titanium dioxide?
The food additive E 171, titanium dioxide, is an inorganic artificial colorant, insoluble, white in color with very good stability to light, heat, oxidation, and pH changes.
Why is Titanium dioxide added to food?
Titanium dioxide (E171) is a colorant commonly found in: Most food products.
Permitted quantity: An acceptable daily intake for E171 cannot be established.
Is Titanium dioxide safe?
Low concern
After reviewing all available scientific evidence, EFSA concluded that concerns about the genotoxicity of TiO2 particles cannot be ruled out. Based on this concern, EFSA experts no longer consider titanium dioxide safe when used as a food additive. This means that an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for E171 cannot be established.
Is Titanium dioxide banned anywhere?
⚠ Banned or restricted in the European Union
Common foods that contain Titanium dioxide
- Most food products
How to spot Titanium dioxide on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E171
- Titanium dioxide
Common misspellings to watch for:
- titanium dioxide
- titdnium dioxide
- titanium dloxide
- titanium dioxlde
- titanlum dioxide
- tltanium dioxide
Better alternatives
• The use of the additive E 171 will be prohibited after a six-month transition period. Therefore, starting in the summer of 2022, this additive should no longer be added to food products.
Also known as
- titanium dioxide
- titdnium dioxide
- titanium dloxide
- titanium dioxlde
- titanlum dioxide
- tltanium dioxide
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Titanium dioxide? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E171 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Titanium dioxide
- Is Titanium dioxide safe to eat?
- After reviewing all available scientific evidence, EFSA concluded that concerns about the genotoxicity of TiO2 particles cannot be ruled out. Based on this concern, EFSA experts no longer consider titanium dioxide safe when used as a food additive. This means that an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for E171 cannot be established.
- Is Titanium dioxide banned anywhere?
- Titanium dioxide is banned or restricted in the European Union.
- How do I spot Titanium dioxide on a food label?
- Look for E171, Titanium dioxide in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: titanium dioxide, titdnium dioxide, titanium dloxide.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.