What is Titanium dioxide (E171)?
Also known as: Titanium Dioxide, E171, Titanyum dioksit
Short answer
E171 (titanium dioxide) is a food dye used in confectionery and white coatings. In 2021 the EU authority EFSA said it 'can no longer be considered safe' because it could not rule out genotoxicity (DNA damage) from nanoparticles; it is now banned in food in both the EU (2022) and Turkey (1 April 2024). It can still show up on some products carrying old stock or older label data; if you see it, you can pick an alternative without it.
What is Titanium dioxide (E171) and what does it do?
Titanium dioxide is a pigment that gives food a bright white color and opacity; it is found in gum coatings, confectionery, white icing and some tablets. It adds no nutrition and is purely visual. (Note: titanium dioxide in sunscreen is a separate, non-absorbed topical use; this assessment is for ingested E171.)
What is it for?
Its only function is visual: it makes a product look whiter, glossier and more appetizing. It has no health benefit.
What to watch for
In its 2021 assessment EFSA concluded that titanium dioxide nanoparticles can accumulate in the body and that genotoxicity (DNA damage) could not be ruled out; therefore it said it 'cannot be considered safe' as a food additive. The EU banned E171 in food in February 2022, and Turkey did so on 1 April 2024. It can still appear on products made before the ban or carrying older label data; if you see E171 on a label, you can choose an alternative without it.
If you want to avoid it
Avoiding it is the most cautious choice, especially in children's products. You can look for 'titanium dioxide' or 'E171' on the label and choose alternatives without it; since the color is just decoration, giving up the whiteness is no loss.
Products containing Titanium dioxide (E171)
- Jelibon Sourpatch Karpuz 80 GJelibond
- Kenton Tatlı Şefi Şeker Hamuru Pembe 200 GKenton
- Kenton Tatlı Şefi Şeker Hamuru Beyaz 200 GKenton
- Eti Popkek Hindistan Cevizli Kek 60 GEtie
- M&M's Pirinç Patlaklı Draje 36 GM&M'se
- Coquette Mozaik Pasta 600 GCoquetted
- Skittles Meyve Aromalı Şeker Kaplı Yumuşak Draje 38GSkittlesd
- Eti Popkek Mini Hindistan Cevizli Kek 180 GEtie
- Magico Cielo Karpuz Çilek Aromalı Gazlı İçecek 750 MlMagico Cielod
- Magico Cielo Böğürtlen Ahududu Aromalı Gazlı İçecek 750 MlMagico Cielod
- Falım 5’li Damla Şekersiz Sakız 35 GFalımb
- Uno Çikolata Kremalı Kruvasan 8'li 240 GUnod
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Frequently asked
Why was E171 banned?
Because EFSA could not rule out DNA damage from nanoparticles, it said in 2021 it 'cannot be considered safe'; the EU banned it in food in 2022.
Is titanium dioxide in sunscreen also dangerous?
This assessment is for ingested E171. Titanium dioxide in sunscreen stays on the skin surface and is not absorbed; it is a separate use.
Is it banned in Turkey?
Yes. The EU banned it in food in 2022 and Turkey on 1 April 2024. Even so, it can still appear on old stock or products with older label data; if you see E171, you can choose an alternative without it.
Sources
This page is for general information; it is not medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.