Titanium Dioxide E171
inorganic β Primarily mineral.
Titanium(IV) oxide
CAS: 13463-67-7
Factual Regulatory Reference
This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
? Did You Know?
Titanium Dioxide occurs naturally in Rutile mineral and Anatase mineral. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.
Beyond food, Titanium Dioxide is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
Regulatory opinions differ: Titanium Dioxide is approved in USA, JAPAN, CANADA but banned in EU. This reflects different risk assessment philosophies between regions.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
United States (FDA)
Not to exceed 1% by weight of the food
Japan (MHLW)
Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Natural Occurrence
A naturally occurring mineral, though the food-grade additive is produced industrially.
Manufacturing
Produced commercially by the sulfate process or chloride process from titanium-containing minerals like ilmenite or rutile.
Applications Beyond Food
Widely used in sunscreens, makeup, and toothpaste as a white pigment and UV filter.
Used as an opacifier and colorant in tablets and capsules.
Used in paints, plastics, paper, and as a photocatalyst.
Safety & Regulatory History
Full Timeline βFDA approved titanium dioxide for use in food, not to exceed 1% of food weight.
Food-grade titanium dioxide authorized in the EU under E171 designation.
EFSA re-evaluated E171, identified data gaps on particle size distribution and possible effects o...
France suspended use of E171 in food products, ahead of EU-wide action, citing precautionary prin...
EFSA concluded E171 can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. Genotoxicity concerns co...
Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 published, removing E171 from permitted additives list (Annexe...
Full ban on E171 as food additive in EU entered into force.
EU Court of Justice ruling confirmed that titanium dioxide powder forms are no longer classified ...
FDA approved titanium dioxide for use in food, not to exceed 1% of food weight.
Food-grade titanium dioxide authorized in the EU under E171 designation.
EFSA re-evaluated E171, identified data gaps on particle size distribution and possible effects on reproductive system. Recommended new studies.
France suspended use of E171 in food products, ahead of EU-wide action, citing precautionary principle.
EFSA concluded E171 can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. Genotoxicity concerns could not be ruled out after reviewing evidence on nanoparticles.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 published, removing E171 from permitted additives list (Annexes II and III). Six-month transition period announced.
Full ban on E171 as food additive in EU entered into force.
EU Court of Justice ruling confirmed that titanium dioxide powder forms are no longer classified as suspected carcinogen by inhalation, but food ban remains.