Titanium dioxide no longer considered safe as a food additive in EU over DNA-damage concerns
This is an editorial summary of research originally reported by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). ProductSafer does not claim ownership of the underlying research. All intellectual property belongs to the original publishers.
Research may be outdated. This finding is over 18 months old. The underlying science may have been updated. Check the original source for the latest position.
Titanium dioxide, a common food additive also used in sunscreens, can accumulate in the body, and a major safety review could not rule out DNA-damage concerns. The European Food Safety Authority has ruled the additive is no longer safe for food use based on this research. You may want to check product labels if you're concerned about limiting your exposure to this ingredient.
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), listed as E171 in food products and used as a whitening agent and UV filter in sunscreens, has been flagged by regulators following mounting scientific evidence.
In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a landmark opinion stating that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. The key concern: titanium dioxide particles can accumulate in the body after ingestion, and EFSA could not rule out genotoxicity, meaning possible damage to DNA.
- Some chewing gums (check labels)
- Candy coatings (check labels)
- Salad dressings and mayonnaise
- Sunscreens and cosmetics
- Toothpaste
For topical sunscreens, the evidence is less clear since skin absorption is limited for larger particles. However, spray sunscreens raise inhalation risks for nano-TiO₂.
- Read ingredient labels and avoid products listing "titanium dioxide" or "E171"
- Choose mineral sunscreens that clearly state "non-nano" zinc oxide
- The EU banned E171 in food products in 2022, the US has not yet followed suit
What you can doAI-generated
- ✓Check the ingredient labels on chewing gum, candy, salad dressings, and mayonnaise you regularly buy, and switch to brands that don't list titanium dioxide or E171.
- ✓Look at your sunscreen bottle and choose mineral sunscreens that explicitly state "non-nano zinc oxide" or "non-nano titanium dioxide" instead of spray formulas, which carry inhalation risks for nano-sized particles.
- ✓Review your toothpaste ingredients and select a brand without titanium dioxide, since this product goes into your mouth daily where particles could potentially cross the gut barrier.
- ✓If you use spray sunscreen, replace it with a lotion or cream formulation to avoid inhaling titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your lungs.
Always consult a healthcare professional for personal medical advice.
Safer alternatives
Shop non-nano zinc oxide sunscreens without titanium dioxide
Affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Read the full report at the original source
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)Was this finding useful?
Community discussion
Join the discussion
Comments are reviewed before appearing publicly.