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.
Written by the Foodlas editorial team with AI assistance and checked against EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and EFSA scientific opinions. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 · EFSA — Food additives · Wikidata
Common in
Products containing E171
