E171
E171: Titanium dioxide
High concernFunction: colour
What is E171?
E171 (Titanium dioxide) is a colour used in processed foods.
What the research says
White colour banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022, after EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe because concerns about DNA damage could not be ruled out. Still permitted in the US.
Regulatory status
| European Union | Banned |
|---|---|
| United States | Approved |
Questions people ask
Is E171 (Titanium dioxide) safe?
White colour banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022, after EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe because concerns about DNA damage could not be ruled out. Still permitted in the US.
Why is E171 added to food?
It is used as a colour.
Does E171 make a food ultra-processed?
Yes. Under the NOVA system, cosmetic additives such as E171 mark a food as ultra-processed.