E171: Titanium dioxide

What is E171?

Titanium dioxide (E171) is a white mineral pigment, an oxide of titanium. It has high opacity and brightness, a proportion of its particles fall in the nanoscale range, and it does not dissolve in water.

Origin and production

It is produced industrially from titanium-containing ores such as ilmenite and rutile, using chemical processes that purify it into a fine white powder.

Why is it used?

Titanium dioxide has been used to make foods bright white or opaque, for example in sugar-coated sweets, chewing gum, icings, cake decorations and some sauces. It is also used to provide a base layer that makes other colours appear more vivid.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Titanium dioxide is mineral-derived and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It raises no particular halal or kosher issue.

Safety and regulation

In 2021 EFSA concluded that titanium dioxide could no longer be considered safe as a food additive because concerns about genotoxicity could not be ruled out, and it has been banned in food in the EU since 2022. It remains permitted in food in some other jurisdictions, and products sold elsewhere may still contain it.

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