We’re most often exposed to E171 through the foods we ingest. We find E171 in many food products, like popsicles, ice cream, gum, and more. Another way we ingest E171 is through pharmaceutical drugs. Many pills and capsules contain E171 as an inactive ingredient.
Food additive nanoparticles could negatively affect your gut health, by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton University, May 4, 2023
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In its 2016 opinion, the ANS Panel recommended new studies be carried out to fill the gaps on possible effects on the reproductive system, which could enable them to set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI ). Uncertainty around the characterisation of the material used as the food additive (E 171) was also highlighted, in particular with respect to particle size and particle size distribution of titanium dioxide used as E 171.
In sunscreen, titanium dioxide is used as a barrier to keep the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays from damaging your skin. It's processed into much smaller particles than what goes into food, called nanoparticles. In this form, it becomes transparent, and also absorbs UV light so it doesn't reach your skin.
However, the run rates improved after the Chinese government's consistent efforts to reduce electricity rationing in China. The demand forecast remained positive during the quarter, with inquiries coming in from both the local and international markets. As a result of the supply-demand mismatch, the FOB Wuhu debate for TiO2 rutile grade was decided at 3097 USD/MT at the end of the quarter.
The European Commission banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in the EU in 2022 after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted an updated safety assessment of E171 and concluded the panel could not eliminate concerns about its genotoxicity.
In food, titanium dioxide has a few different uses. Most notably, its food-grade form is used as a colorant to enhance and brighten the color of white foods such as dairy products, candy, frosting, and the powder on donuts. For foods that are sensitive to UV light, titanium dioxide is used for food safety purposes to prevent spoilage and increase the shelf life of food.
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The main concern with nanoparticles is that they are so tiny that they are absorbed into the skin more than we want them (ideally sunscreen should remain on the surface of the skin). Once absorbed they might form unwanted complexes with proteins and they might promote the formation of evil free radicals. But do not panic, these are concerns under investigation. A 2009 review article about the safety of nanoparticles summarizes this, to date, in-vivo and in-vitro studies have not demonstrated percutaneous penetration of nanosized particles in titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sunscreens. The English translation is, so far it looks like sunscreens with nanoparticles do stay on the surface of the skin where they should be.
The uses and applications of Titanium Dioxide may vary according to its specification. The main forms of Titanium Dioxide are dependent on particle sizes, surface treatment, and crystalline forms.


Prof. Maged Younes, Chair of EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), wrote of the decision: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. A critical element in reaching this conclusion is that we could not exclude genotoxicity concerns after consumption of titanium dioxide particles. After oral ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body.”
Not everyone agrees, though. The European Commission banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in the European Union in 2022.
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Titanium dioxide, a versatile and widely used material, finds its application in various industries including the rubber industry. This white pigment is known for its excellent UV resistance, durability, and opacity, making it an ideal choice for enhancing the properties of rubber products.

