What is E171? Titanium Dioxide Explained
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E171 is Titanium Dioxide — a white pigment previously widely used in confectionery and medications, banned from food use across the EU in 2022 over nanoparticle safety concerns.
What is E171 (Titanium Dioxide)?
E171 is Titanium Dioxide, a food additive classified as a colour that give food its colour. A white pigment previously widely used in confectionery and medications, banned from food use across the eu in 2022 over nanoparticle safety concerns. You'll find it in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing and many other packaged foods. Titanium Dioxide is one of the better-known food additives and appears regularly in label-reading guides and dietary discussions. Note: despite holding an E-number, E171 is banned or heavily restricted in at least one major market — the safety section below explains exactly where and why.
Where is E171 found?
E171 (Titanium Dioxide) is found in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing, jams and preserves, ready meals, desserts.
- sweets and confectionery
- soft drinks
- cake icing
- jams and preserves
- ready meals
- desserts
Also known as: Titanium Dioxide · Titanium White
Is E171 safe?
E171 is banned or not permitted in at least one major market — see details below. Specifically, E171 (Titanium Dioxide) was banned from food use across the EU and UK in 2022 after EFSA identified potential genotoxicity from nanoparticles. It remains legal in the US and some other markets. The 'banned' status here means at least one major food regulator has determined this additive is not acceptable in food.
EFSA opinion: Titanium Dioxide — status Banned/restricted.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E171. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
Cleaner alternatives to E171
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E171 FAQs
What is E171 in food?
E171 is Titanium Dioxide — a white pigment previously widely used in confectionery and medications, banned from food use across the EU in 2022 over nanoparticle safety concerns.
Is E171 safe to eat?
E171 is banned or not permitted in at least one major market — see details below. Specifically, E171 (Titanium Dioxide) was banned from food use across the EU and UK in 2022 after EFSA identified pote
Is E171 vegan?
E171 (Titanium Dioxide) is vegan. It is derived from mineral; banned EU food use 2022, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E171 halal?
E171 (Titanium Dioxide) is halal. It is derived from mineral; banned EU food use 2022, which involves no haram sources.
Related Colours additives
Also check: safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · calorie checker · medication interactions
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA