Is Titanium Dioxide Safe?
Titanium Dioxide is the additive E171 — a white mineral pigment banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022 over DNA-damage concerns, but still permitted in the US and UK.
Is Titanium Dioxide safe to eat?
E171 is banned or restricted in one or more major markets. Different regulators have reviewed the evidence and reached different conclusions, so its status depends on where you live — always check the position in your own country. The EU banned titanium dioxide in food from August 2022 after EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe, citing concerns about genotoxicity from nanoparticles. It remains permitted in the UK and US, where regulators reviewed the same evidence and reached different conclusions.
EFSA status: Banned or restricted in one or more major markets
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Titanium Dioxide?
E171 is the E-number for titanium dioxide, one of the food colourings group of food additives (E100–E199). Additives in this group add or restore colour to foods and drinks. A mineral pigment. The EU banned titanium dioxide in food from August 2022 after EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe, citing concerns about genotoxicity from nanoparticles. It remains permitted in the UK and US, where regulators reviewed the same evidence and reached different conclusions. The 'E' in E171 stands for Europe — the number was granted under the EU additive authorisation system — but as the safety section below explains, regulators no longer agree that E171 belongs in food everywhere: it is banned or heavily restricted in at least one major market. We break down exactly where it stands, plus the vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E171, in detail below.
What foods contain Titanium Dioxide?
E171 (Titanium Dioxide) is typically found in:
- Chewing gum
- White sweets and icing
- Tablet coatings
- Coffee creamers
- Historically: many white foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Titanium Dioxide bad for you?
E171 is banned or restricted in one or more major markets, so its acceptability depends on your country's regulator — see the safety section above.
Is Titanium Dioxide vegan?
E171 is vegan. A mineral pigment, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Titanium Dioxide halal?
E171 is halal. A mineral pigment, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E171 (Titanium Dioxide) →
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Concerned about food additives?
Food Intolerance Test
Find out exactly which ingredients affect you with a home food intolerance test.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).