What is E171?
E171 is Titanium Dioxide — 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.
What is E171 (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.
Where is E171 found?
E171 is typically used in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E171) or by its full name, titanium dioxide. Common foods that may contain E171 include:
- Chewing gum
- White sweets and icing
- Tablet coatings
- Coffee creamers
- Historically: many white foods
Full guide: foods containing E171 and how to spot it on labels →
E171 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Titanium Dioxide safe?
Is E171 safe?
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
Is E171 vegan?
E171 is vegan. A mineral pigment, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E171 →Is E171 halal?
E171 is halal. A mineral pigment, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E171 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E171 in food?
E171 is Titanium Dioxide — 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 E171 safe to eat?
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 E171 vegan?
E171 is vegan. A mineral pigment, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E171 halal?
E171 is halal. A mineral pigment, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).